What constitutes "acceptance" in the context of contracts?

Acceptance in the context of contracts refers to the offeree's unequivocal agreement to the terms of an offer made by the offeror. This acceptance must be clear and communicated to the offeror, indicating that the offeree fully agrees to the terms without any modifications or conditions. For a contract to be formed, acceptance must mirror the terms of the original offer, establishing mutual assent between both parties.

When acceptance is unequivocal, it signifies that the offeree is agreeing exactly to the terms proposed and is ready to be bound by them. This clarity is crucial in contractual agreements because it helps to prevent misunderstandings and disputes about what the parties have agreed upon.

In contrasting this to the other options, a rejection of a counteroffer would terminate the original offer and introduce new terms, which does not satisfy the definition of acceptance. Accepting some but not all terms suggests a negotiation or proposal of new terms rather than a complete agreement, which also fails to constitute acceptance. Lastly, any response from the offeree does not ensure acceptance; responses can range from inquiries to negotiations that do not signify a binding agreement. Thus, unequivocal agreement to the terms stands out as the correct interpretation of what constitutes acceptance in contract law.