assent

[ uh-sent ]

verb (used without object)

1. to agree or concur; subscribe to (often followed by to ):

   to assent to a statement.

   Synonyms: acquiesce

2. to give in; yield; concede:

   Assenting to his demands, I did as I was told.

   Synonyms: acquiesce

noun

1. agreement, as to a proposal; concurrence.
2. acquiescence; compliance.

assent

/ əˈsɛnt /

noun

1. agreement, as to a statement, proposal, etc; acceptance
2. hesitant agreement; compliance
3. sanction

verb

1. intrusually foll byto to agree or express agreement

Other Words From

• as·senting·ly adverb
• as·sentive adjective
• as·sentive·ness noun
• as·sentor as·senter noun
• nonas·senting adjective
• reas·sent verb (used without object)
• unas·senting adjective
• unas·sentive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of assent¹

1250–1300; Middle English asenten < Old French asenter < Latin assentārī, equivalent to as- as- + sen ( t )- ( scent ) + -t- frequentative suffix + -ā- thematic vowel + -rī infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of assent¹

C13: from Old French assenter, from Latin assentīrī, from sentīre to think

Synonym Study

See agree.

Example Sentences

They weren’t all that interested in talking politics—but I did get some slight nods of assent when Rogan popped up on screen and I called him a “weird guy.”

From Slate

Debora’s assent from gang member to nationally recognized artist relies on the kindness of Homeboy Industries founder Father Greg Boyle.

From Los Angeles Times

Scholz’s assent was essential because of the release from German prison of a convicted Russian government assassin, who had killed a former Chechen rebel in broad daylight in the middle of Berlin, satisfied Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top-of-the-list demand.

From Los Angeles Times

With the assent of the RSC’s senior leadership, talks began.

From Los Angeles Times

A vitriolic and aggrieved duo, their dissent in Obergefell painted equality in sepia tones of their own bitter resentment: Marriage equality would “vilify” Americans “unwilling to assent” to the “new orthodoxy” of gays living in dignity.

From Salon

Related Words

• accede
• subscribe