Acquiescence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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acquiescence

[หŒรฆk.wiหˆes.ษ™ns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in agreement

The reluctant acquiescence of the students to the new school policy was evident.

Synonyms

agreement, compliance, consent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acquiescence

Used when someone accepts something reluctantly but without protest. It often implies passively going along with something more powerful.

  • Her acquiescence to the new company policies was evident, though she wasn't entirely happy about them.
  • There was a quiet acquiescence in his manner, suggesting he had little power to change the decision.
agreement

Used in any situation where two or more parties share the same opinion or have come to a mutual decision.

  • After a long discussion, we finally reached an agreement on the terms of the contract.
  • We had an agreement to meet at 7 PM, but he was late.
consent

Used when someone gives permission for something to happen, often formally in legal or medical situations.

  • She signed the consent form before the surgery.
  • Without your explicit consent, we cannot proceed with the transaction.
compliance

Used when someone follows rules or adheres to requests and laws, often in a professional or regulatory context.

  • The company was fined for failing to maintain compliance with safety regulations.
  • All employees must ensure compliance with the new workplace policies.

Examples of usage

  • She nodded her head in acquiescence to his request.
  • His acquiescence to the terms of the contract was necessary for the deal to proceed.
Context #2 | Noun

without protest

Her acquiescence to his demands only encouraged him to ask for more.

Synonyms

assent, submission.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acquiescence

Used when someone accepts something reluctantly but without protest. Often implies a passive compliance with something that one does not agree with or like.

  • Her acquiescence to the new company policies showed her reluctance but also her willingness to follow the rules.
  • He nodded in acquiescence, realizing he had little choice in the matter.
submission

Often used in situations where someone yields to the authority or control of another person or group. It can have a negative connotation, implying a loss of power or unwilling surrender.

  • His submission to the demands of his superiors was evident in his compliant behavior.
  • The treaty required the full submission of the defeated country to the victorious powers.
assent

Used when someone agrees to a proposal, idea, or plan, often after some consideration. It signals a more active and willing agreement than 'acquiescence'.

  • Her assent to the project proposal came after a thorough evaluation of the details.
  • The board's assent was required before the new policies could be implemented.

Examples of usage

  • The acquiescence of the citizens to the unjust law was disheartening.
  • He viewed her silence as acquiescence to his proposal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often debate the morality behind acquiescence: is it sometimes necessary to maintain peace?
  • Sรธren Kierkegaard discussed the existential implications of acquiescing to societal norms instead of pursuing personal authenticity.
  • The concept is central to discussions of free will versus determinism, exploring whether acquiescence reflects choice or compulsion.

Psychology

  • Acquiescence bias refers to the tendency of people to agree with statements regardless of their actual beliefs, especially in surveys.
  • Psychologically, it can stem from a desire to avoid conflict or maintain harmony in relationships.
  • Studies show that individuals may acquiesce even when they perceive disadvantages, highlighting the complexities of human behavior.

Law

  • In legal terms, acquiescence can imply a party's failure to act or object, potentially waiving their rights.
  • It often relates to property disputes, where continued acceptance of something typically undesirable may see rights diminished.
  • Courts may interpret passivity as approval, influencing rulings on various issues, including contracts and personal injury claims.

Pop Culture

  • In literature, characters often face moral dilemmas that involve acquiescence, leading to significant plot developments.
  • Songs and movies frequently explore themes of acquiescence within relationships, where one character yields to another's desires.
  • The phrase 'just going along with it' often encapsulates the spirit of acquiescence in everyday conversations about peer pressure.

Origin of 'acquiescence'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'acquiescere', meaning 'to rest' or 'to be quiet'.
  • In the 17th century, it was first used in English to describe a passive form of agreement.
  • The root 'qui' in 'acquiesce' relates to quietness, emphasizing calm acceptance.

The word 'acquiescence' originated from the Latin word 'acquiescere', which means 'to give oneself to rest'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of acquiescence has been studied in various fields such as psychology, law, and philosophy, focusing on the act of accepting or complying with something reluctantly but without protest.


See also: acquiesce, acquiescing.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,773, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.