concede defeat/victory

[Unregistered]

"Kerry concedes defeat"
Do these all work and mean the same thing?
1-1. Kerry concedes defeat.
1-2. Kerry concedes defeat to Bush.
2-1. Kerry concedes victory.
2-2. Kerry concedes victory to Bush.
3. Kerry concedes to Bush.
No political interest, but just linguistic interest.
Thank you.

 

[Natalie27]

"Kerry concedes defeat"
Do these all work and mean the same thing?
1-1. Kerry concedes defeat...he acknowledges defeat/admits defeat.
1-2. Kerry concedes defeat to Bush...Kerry reluctantly admits Bush's defeat??? ( doesn't make sense in here because I am pretty sure he would've been exctatic to win this election)
2-1. Kerry concedes victory...Kerry admits victory
2-2. Kerry concedes victory to Bush...Kerry admits (reluctantly) Bush's victory.
3. Kerry concedes to Bush.Kerry surrenders to Bush.
No political interest, but just linguistic interest.
Thank you.[/QUOTE
dictionary definition of concede:

1. To acknowledge, often reluctantly, as being true, just, or proper; admit. See synonyms at acknowledge.
2. To yield or grant (a privilege or right, for example).

v.intr.
To make a concession: yield: The losing candidate conceded at midnight after the polls had closed.
give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another

hope it helps