The Difference Between Admission, Admittance, and Entry
For English learners, the words admission, admittance, and entry can seem similar, but they have distinct meanings and uses. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper communication in both formal and informal contexts.
1. Admission
Admission is most commonly used in the following contexts:
- Permission to enter a place or institution (e.g., universities, events, hospitals).
- Confession or acknowledgment (e.g., admitting a mistake).
- Fee or cost (e.g., ticket price for an event).
Examples:
- “She gained admission to Harvard University.” (Permission to join an institution)
- “His admission of guilt surprised everyone.” (Confession)
- “The admission fee for the concert is $50.” (Cost of entry)
2. Admittance
Admittance is more formal and often used in technical or restricted contexts:
- Physical entry into a place, especially where access is controlled.
- Legal or official permission (e.g., into a private property).
- Electrical engineering term (the inverse of impedance).
Examples:
- “Unauthorized personnel are denied admittance to the laboratory.” (Formal entry restriction)
- “The sign read, ‘No admittance without a pass.'” (Official permission required)
- “In circuit theory, admittance measures how easily current flows.” (Technical usage)
3. Entry
Entry is the most general term and can refer to:
- Physical act of entering (e.g., walking into a room).
- Participation in a competition or event (e.g., submitting an application).
- Recording information (e.g., in a logbook or database).
Examples:
- “His sudden entry startled everyone in the room.” (Physical act of entering)
- “The deadline for contest entry is next week.” (Participation in an event)
- “Make an entry in the ledger for this transaction.” (Recording data)
Comparison Table
| Term | Primary Meaning | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | Permission to enter or join | Universities, events, confessions, fees |
| Admittance | Formal or controlled entry | Restricted areas, legal contexts, engineering |
| Entry | General act of entering | Physical movement, competitions, data recording |
Key Takeaways
- Admission is often about permission, acknowledgment, or cost.
- Admittance is more formal and used in restricted or technical contexts.
- Entry is the broadest term and applies to physical movement, participation, or recording.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using admittance when referring to university acceptance (use admission instead).
- Using entry in formal contexts where admittance is more appropriate.
- Confusing admission (cost) with entry (act of entering).
Final Thoughts
While admission, admittance, and entry overlap in meaning, their usage depends on context. Pay attention to formal vs. informal settings, technical vs. general language, and whether the focus is on permission, physical movement, or participation.