First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1consent
verb con·sent \kən-ˈsent\
: to agree to do or allow something : to give permission for something to happen or be done
Full Definition of CONSENT
intransitive verb
1
: to give assent or approval : agree <consent to being tested>
2
archaic : to be in concord in opinion or sentiment
— con·sent·er noun
— con·sent·ing·ly \-ˈsen-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
See consent defined for English-language learners
See consent defined for kids
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Origin of CONSENT
Middle English, from Anglo-French consentir, from Latin consentire, from com- + sentire to feel — more at sense
Synonym Discussion of CONSENT
assent, consent, accede, acquiesce, agree, subscribe mean to concur with what has been proposed. assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions <voters assented to the proposal>. consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired <consented to their daughter's going>. accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent <officials acceded to the prisoners' demands>. acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition <acquiesced to his boss's wishes>. agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion <finally agreed to come along>. subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support <subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea>.
Rhymes with CONSENT
absent, accent, Advent, anent, ascent, assent, augment, besprent, cement, comment, content, convent, descent, detent, dissent, docent, event, extent, ferment, foment, fragment, frequent, hell-bent, indent, intent, invent, lament, loment, low-rent, mordent, outspent, percent, pigment, portent, present, prevent, pup tent, quitrent, rack-rent, relent, repent, resent, segment, Shymkent, Tashkent, torment, well-meant, wisent
2consent
noun
: permission for something to happen or be done
: agreement about an opinion or about something that will happen or be done
Full Definition of CONSENT
1
: compliance in or approval of what is done or proposed by another : acquiescence <he shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties — United States Constitution>
2
: agreement as to action or opinion; specifically : voluntary agreement by a people to organize a civil society and give authority to the government
See consent defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CONSENT
14th century
Related to CONSENT
- Synonyms
- allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, permission, granting, green light, leave, license (or licence), sanction, sufferance, warrant
- Antonyms
- interdiction, prohibition, proscription
CONSENT Defined for Kids
1consent
verb con·sent \kən-ˈsent\
con·sent·edcon·sent·ing
Definition of CONSENT for Kids
: to express willingness or approval : agree <The mayor consented to speak at our banquet.>
2consent
noun
Definition of CONSENT for Kids
: approval of or agreement with what is done or suggested by another person <You must have a parent's consent to go on the trip.>
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