acquiesce
ak-wee-ESS
/ˌækwiˈes/
To accept, agree, or comply silently or passively without protest, even if one is reluctant.
Implies a quiet, passive consent, often out of weariness or a desire to avoid conflict, rather than enthusiastic agreement.
The story behind the word. From Latin acquiescere, from ad- (to) + quiescere (to rest, be quiet). It literally means to find rest in or to rest satisfied with.
Word relationships
- comply: Comply implies following an explicit rule or command, while acquiesce is about silently accepting a situation.
- protest: Protest is to actively voice disagreement, whereas acquiesce is to silently accept.
Commonly confused with
- agree: Agree can be active and enthusiastic, while acquiesce is passive and often reluctant.
Word family
- acquiescence (noun): The reluctant acceptance of something without protest.
- acquiescent (adjective): Ready to accept something without protest.
Collocations
- acquiesce in a decision
- acquiesce quietly
- refuse to acquiesce
Example sentences
- "He did not dispute the matter, but seemed to acquiesce in the decision." A classic literary example of quiet resignation.
Memory hook
Picture yourself finally going to acquiesce (quietly rest) after a long argument because you are too tired to fight anymore. Acquiesce = Quietly agree.
When not to use
Do not use for active, enthusiastic agreement; use agree or embrace instead.
Fun facts
- The word is closely related to quiet and acquit, all sharing the ancient root of finding peace or rest.
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