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to assent

to assent

4 6.6
To agree to a plan or idea, often formally
  • verb
  • /əˈsɛnt/
  • Formal
translation icon : asentir
  • We then asked all children of consenting parents to assent to study participation.
  • assent to the impression
  • assent to participate

Schlesinger Library arranged this program, which Nancy Weissmalkiel was kind enough to assent to.

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Examples

  • Parents and teachers provided consent, and children assented to all study procedures.

    Academic text (2013)
  • After a moment, he slowly assents by nodding his head.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • You know that if you assent to Ma, she will praise you for being sensible.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The Office of Management and Budget, which reviews all new regulations, assented to the rule in January.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Within less than 30 minutes, Reagan assented to the plan.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Preschoolers were included in the study if they assented to wear the heart rate monitor for the duration of data collection.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Informed consent was provided by teachers and parents/guardians, with students assenting to participate.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Nevertheless, they both nodded and assented seriously, as if a question of great import had been asked.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Here, Tupinamb asks for their permission to leave, and they assented by playing the distinctive rhythm appropriate to his song.

    Academic text (2003)
  • After considering the proposal carefully, the board finally assented to the changes.

Synonyms

to agree
vsto assent
1.0

Have the same opinion or say yes

is often more formal and based on careful thought than casual yes
to accept
vsto assent
1.3

To believe or agree that something is true

leans more to considered, often formal consent rather than belief
to approve
vsto assent
1.6

To officially agree to something or think that it is good

emphasizes considered agreement, not just administrative acceptance
to endorse
vsto assent
183 4.2

To publicly show support for a person or idea

is formal or considered agreement, not primarily public support
to sign off
vsto assent
95 3.9

To give official approval, usually by writing your name on a document

is formal consent based on careful thought, not only procedural sign-off
to ratify
vsto assent
  • Formal
70 6.0

Officially approve an agreement, law, or decision

is broader formal approval, not only post-decision confirmation
to sign a treaty
vsto assent
  • Formal
23 3.2

Officially agree to a written deal between countries by putting your name on it

is formal approval more generally, not limited to treaty signing
to acquiesce
vsto assent
  • Formal
20 8.4

To accept something you do not want without complaining

is a considered, willing approval rather than reluctant acceptance
to sanction
vsto assent
  • Formal
16 7.1

To give religious approval during a formal ceremony

is formal approval focused on considered consent rather than ritual
10 4.3

Officially agree to something by writing your name on a document

is considered approval in general, not only expressed by signing
to countenance
vsto assent
  • Formal
10 8.3

To allow something by showing approval

is specific formal agreement reached after careful consideration
to accede
vsto assent
  • Formal
7 8.2

To agree to a request or demand after hesitation

is agreement given after thoughtful approval rather than after hesitation
to approbate
vsto assent
  • Formal
9.9

To give official permission to a plan or document by an authority

is formal approval after careful personal consideration rather than legal formality
to vise
vsto assent
  • Formal
9.1

To approve a document, usually by signing or stamping it

covers considered approval in general, not only document stamping
to O.K.
vsto assent
2.3

To give permission to start or use something

is agreement arrived at after thought rather than simple authorization

Antonyms

to dissent
  • Formal
39 6.8

To disagree publicly with an official idea or decision

How Agreeing

to endorse
183 4.2
to assent
  • Formal
4 6.6
to approve
1.6
to agree
1.0

Surface Forms

assent infinitive
assented past
assented past participle
assenting present participle
assents third person singular

Etymology

Assent comes from the Latin parts ad- 'to' and sentire 'to feel or think', so it is about giving your thought or feeling to something. That is why to assent (verb) is to say you 'agree' or give formal approval.