1. Acquiesce (verb): To accept or comply with something passively or without protest.
2. Acquiesce (verb): To agree to a demand, request, or proposal reluctantly but without resistance.
3. Acquiesce (verb): To give silent or unspoken consent to a situation or decision.
The word "acquiesce" means to accept something reluctantly but without protest, often implying passive agreement. It can also refer to consenting or complying with a situation or demand quietly. In legal contexts, "acquiesce" describes allowing something to happen by not objecting. Discover more about acquiesce by exploring its meanings, origins, usage examples, and related forms.
"Acquiesce" refers to accepting, agreeing, or complying with something, often without resistance or explicit approval. Below are its primary meanings and contexts.
As a verb, "acquiesce" means to comply with or submit to something without objection, even if one does not fully agree with it.
"Acquiesce" can also describe someone agreeing to a request, rule, or decision not because they fully support it, but because they do not want to argue or resist.
Sometimes, "acquiesce" is used to describe unspoken or indirect agreement, where one does not openly express approval but also does not oppose or object.
It functions primarily as an intransitive verb, meaning to agree or consent passively, as in "She decided to acquiesce to the plan." It is often followed by prepositions like "in" or "to" to specify what is being accepted, such as "acquiesce in the decision." While uncommon, it can appear in noun form as "acquiescence," denoting the act of yielding.
"Acquiesce" is pronounced as "ak-wee-ES," where "ak" sounds like "ack" in "back," "wee" rhymes with "we," and "ES" is like "ess" in "yes" with stress on the last syllable. The middle "quie" is a soft "kwee" sound, similar to "queen" but quicker. To practice, say "ac" as in "act," add "qui" like "key," and end with "esce" like "essence" but shortened.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˌæk.wiˈɛs/
There are many words that carry a similar meaning to "acquiesce," depending on the context.
Words that are opposite to "acquiesce" indicate refusal, resistance, or protest.
To understand how "acquiesce" is used, here are examples in different contexts.
The word "acquiesce" is commonly used in formal and professional settings. It appears frequently in legal discussions, politics, workplace policies, and literary works. Though less common in casual speech, it is still widely recognized and used in writing and formal conversations.
There are a few variations of "acquiesce" used in different contexts.
Exploring related words can help in understanding different meanings of "acquiesce."
The word "acquiesce" originates from the Latin word acquiescere, meaning "to rest, remain at ease, or be satisfied." It combines ad- (toward) and quiescere (to rest or be quiet). It was adopted into Middle French as acquiescer before entering English in the early 17th century, retaining its meaning of passive agreement or compliance.
Here are some common derivatives and compounds related to "acquiesce."
People sometimes misspell "acquiesce" in the following ways:
Idioms related to "acquiesce" often describe agreement, submission, or passive compliance.
1. What does "acquiesce" mean in legal terms?
In legal terms, "acquiesce" refers to the silent or passive acceptance of a situation or ruling without objection.
2. What is the difference between "acquiesce" and "comply"?
"Acquiesce" implies passive acceptance without protest, while "comply" means actively following rules or orders.
3. Can "acquiesce" be used in a positive way?
Yes, it can indicate peaceful acceptance of circumstances or a willingness to adapt.
4. What is an example of "acquiesce" in a workplace setting?
An employee may acquiesce to a manager’s decision without openly expressing their concerns.
5. How does "acquiesce" differ from "agree"?
"Agree" suggests willing approval, while "acquiesce" implies reluctant acceptance.
6. Can someone "acquiesce" without speaking?
Yes, "acquiesce" often involves silent or implied consent rather than verbal agreement.
7. Is "acquiesce" commonly used in daily conversation?
It is more common in formal writing and professional settings than in casual speech.
8. What is the noun form of "acquiesce"?
The noun form is "acquiescence," which refers to the act of yielding or accepting something passively.
9. Does "acquiesce" mean surrender?
Not necessarily—"acquiesce" suggests acceptance rather than complete submission or defeat.
10. Can "acquiesce" apply to group decisions?
Yes, a group can acquiesce by not objecting to a decision, even if some members have reservations.
"Acquiesce" refers to passive agreement, silent consent, or reluctant acceptance of decisions, rules, or situations. This word is commonly used in legal, professional, and social contexts. Understanding "acquiesce" helps clarify discussions about compliance, authority, and decision-making.
