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

At the very least Obama does have to get congressional assent in the near future.

From The Daily Beast

There was a ripple of assent in the crowd as the word spread.

From The Daily Beast

CEO Mark Thompson for his advice on how she should broach the subject with Baquet and try to get his assent.

From The Daily Beast

The crowd of political newcomers, and former Labour and Conservative voters roared their assent.

From The Daily Beast

The crowd on the floor responded with a half-hearted murmur of assent.

From The Daily Beast

The stout brigadier grunted an assent and rolled monumentally down the Avenue.

From Project Gutenberg

The nod of assent was given, and the permission put in force with hearty good will.

From Project Gutenberg

Danton insisted that they must overlook the massacres, and give at least an implied assent to their necessity.

From Project Gutenberg

Many, therefore, who did not assent to all that the King had said, joined in a loud hum of approbation when he concluded.

From Project Gutenberg

The doctor made a sound of sorrowful assent, as if much struck; then said, "you don't mean he has never been there since?"

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accede
• subscribe