Acquiesce: meaning, definitions and examples

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acquiesce

 

[ˌækwiˈɛs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a conversation

Accept something reluctantly but without protest.

Synonyms

comply, consent, yield.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acquiesce

This word is used when someone agrees to something passively or without protest, often reluctantly.

  • She didn't really want to go on the trip, but she acquiesced to their plans.
  • He acquiesced to the new company policies without raising any objections.
comply

This word is appropriate when someone follows rules, requests, or demands, especially where there might be an expectation or requirement.

  • Employees must comply with the new safety regulations.
  • He complied with the police officer's orders without hesitation.
consent

This word is used when someone gives permission or agreement, particularly in formal or legal scenarios.

  • The patient gave consent for the surgery.
  • They needed her consent to release the confidential information.
yield

This word implies giving way to someone else’s wishes or demands, often indicating a form of submission or surrender.

  • After hours of debate, he finally yielded to her arguments.
  • Drivers must yield to pedestrians at the crosswalk.

Examples of usage

  • Sara acquiesced to his decision and didn't argue further.
  • She acquiesced to the terms of the contract without question.
Context #2 | Verb

in a situation of conflict

Reluctantly accept something without protest, even though you do not really agree with it.

Synonyms

agree, concede, submit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acquiesce

When you reluctantly accept something without arguing, especially when you are not happy about it.

  • She acquiesced to her parents' wishes and chose a different career
submit

When you accept someone else's authority or decision, often suggesting a lack of power or choice.

  • After hours of discussion, they had to submit to the director's decision
agree

When you have the same opinion as someone else or consent to something with a positive attitude.

  • They both agreed on the best course of action for their project
concede

When you admit or acknowledge something often unwillingly, commonly used in debates or competitions.

  • He conceded that her argument was stronger, even though it was hard for him to do so

Examples of usage

  • The rebels reluctantly acquiesced to the peace treaty.
  • The employees acquiesced to the pay cut to save their jobs.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'acquiescere,' meaning 'to rest' or 'to become quiet.'
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, showcasing the influence of Latin on English vocabulary.

Legal Context

  • In law, acquiescence can imply consent by not objecting, which can lead to legal rights or claims being established over time.
  • It is often seen in cases where someone fails to act against something that they disapprove of, thereby accepting it.

Psychology

  • Acquiescence can indicate passive behavior, where a person may agree to others’ suggestions to avoid conflict.
  • Studies in behavioral psychology highlight how individuals may acquiesce due to social pressures or the desire to fit in.

Literature

  • Acquiescence is often explored in literature as a theme of personal conflict, where characters struggle between their desires and the expectations placed on them.
  • Authors like Shakespeare and Austen include instances where characters acquiesce to societal norms, enriching character development.

Cultural Insights

  • In many cultures, acquiescing can be seen as a virtue, promoting harmony and avoiding confrontation.
  • However, in assertive cultures, such as some Western societies, excess acquiescence may lead to views of weakness or indecisiveness.

Translations

Translations of the word "acquiesce" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consentir

🇮🇳 स्वीकार करना

🇩🇪 einwilligen

🇮🇩 menyetujui

🇺🇦 погоджуватися

🇵🇱 zgodzić się

🇯🇵 黙認する

🇫🇷 acquiescer

🇪🇸 acceder

🇹🇷 kabul etmek

🇰🇷 묵인하다

🇸🇦 يذعن

🇨🇿 přistoupit

🇸🇰 súhlasiť

🇨🇳 默许

🇸🇮 privoliti

🇮🇸 samþykkja

🇰🇿 қабылдау

🇬🇪 დასახელება

🇦🇿 razı olmaq

🇲🇽 acceder

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,562, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.