assent
uh-SENT
/əˈsent/
The expression of approval or agreement; to agree to a proposal or request.
Assent often implies yielding to a proposal or request made by someone else, but doing so with genuine agreement rather than mere compliance.
The story behind the word. Assent comes from the Latin 'assentiri', which is formed from 'ad-' (to) and 'sentire' (to feel or think). Literally, it means 'to direct one's feelings toward something'. It suggests that your mind and feelings have traveled toward another person's idea and joined with it.
Word relationships
- agreement: Agreement is a broad, everyday term, while assent is formal and often implies responding to a specific proposal.
- consent: Consent often implies permission for something to happen to oneself, while assent is intellectual agreement with an idea.
- dissent: Dissent is the formal expression of disagreement, the direct opposite of assent.
- refusal: Refusal is an active turning down of a request, whereas assent is an acceptance.
Commonly confused with
- ascent: Ascent is a physical climb upward, while assent is intellectual or formal agreement.
Word family
- assenting (adjective): Expressing agreement.
Collocations
- nod in assent
- give one's assent
- mutual assent
Example sentences
- "The governor gave her assent to the proposed environmental bill, allowing it to pass into law." A formal request for permission where the authority figure agrees.
- "He nodded his head in silent assent as his mentor explained the complex strategy." A quiet, personal agreement in a conversation.
Memory hook
Think of 'assent' as sending your 'scent' (agreement) to join someone else's path. Assent = Directing your thoughts toward agreement.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'ascent' (the act of climbing up).
Fun facts
- In British constitutional law, 'Royal Assent' is the formal method by which the reigning monarch approves an act of parliament, making it law.
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