Vocabulary Spotlight

Acquiesce

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To accept or agree to something reluctantly but without protest.

“Though she disagreed, she decided to acquiesce to her parents’ decision.”

Pronunciation

[ak-wee-ES]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Consent
Agree
Yield
Comply
Submit

Antonyms

Refuse
Oppose
Resist
Dissent
Reject

Related Words

Acquiescence
Compliance
Submission

Word Origin

“Acquiesce” originates from the Latin “acquiescere,” meaning “to rest or remain at ease.”

Word Family

Verb: Acquiesce – To agree or comply silently.

Noun: Acquiescence – The act of accepting or agreeing passively.

Mnemonics

Think “Agree Quietly” – Acquiesce means to agree without open objection.

Industry-specific Usage

Law

In legal terms, acquiescing may imply accepting a judgment without formal objection.

Negotiation

In negotiations, a party may acquiesce to terms as a compromise, often to avoid conflict.

Education

Teachers may acquiesce to minor disruptions if they help students engage in a positive way.

In Context

Acquiesce is used to describe reluctant acceptance, highlighting agreement without enthusiasm. It is common in contexts where objections are initially present but set aside for harmony.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which is a synonym of “Acquiesce”?

Consent
Oppose
Resist
Refuse

‘Consent’ is correct as it means to agree or yield to something.

2. Fill in the blank: Despite her initial hesitation, she chose to _______ to the proposal.

refuse
resist
acquiesce
reject

‘Acquiesce’ is correct as it implies agreeing or accepting reluctantly.

3. In which context would “acquiesce” be MOST appropriate?

Firmly rejecting an offer
Agreeing quietly to avoid conflict
Passionately endorsing an idea
Strongly objecting to terms

‘Agreeing quietly to avoid conflict’ is appropriate as acquiesce implies reluctant but quiet acceptance.