consent

7 synonyms and 9 antonyms for consent, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To agree to something or give permission for it.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

approval permission agreement accept

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

assent authorization

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

acquiescence

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To agree to something or give permission for it.

“She consented to the operation after speaking with the surgeon.”

assent approval permission agreement authorization acquiescence accept

Opposites

oppose disagree dissent object

2. noun

Permission or voluntary agreement to something.

“The form requires the patient's written consent.”

Opposites

denial opposition refusal disagreement disapproval

How to use consent

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

give consent informed consent without consent age of consent

Etymology

From Old French consentir, from Latin consentire, "to agree" — com- ("with") plus sentire ("to feel").

Full origin of consent →

Frequently asked questions

What does “consent” mean?

The word “consent” means to agree to something or give permission for it. In plain terms, giving your permission or agreement, usually to something that affects you.

How do you pronounce “consent”?

“Consent” is pronounced kuhn-SEHNT (/kənˈsɛnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “consent” in a sentence?

Here is “consent” used in a sentence: “She consented to the operation after speaking with the surgeon.”

What part of speech is “consent”?

Depending on how it is used, “consent” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “consent” come from?

The word “consent” comes from Latin. From Old French consentir, from Latin consentire, "to agree" — com- ("with") plus sentire ("to feel").

Is “consent” a common word?

“Consent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “consent” have?

“Consent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to agree to something or give permission for it.

What is the difference between consent and assent?

Both involve agreeing, but "consent" implies giving permission for something that affects you and often carries formal or legal weight, as in "consent to treatment." "Assent" is agreement with an opinion, plan, or proposal and is more about expressing approval than granting permission.

Do you consent "to" or "for" something?

The standard preposition after the verb is "to": you consent to a search, consent to treatment, or consent to the terms. "For" appears mainly with the noun in phrases like "a consent form for the procedure."

What is the difference between consent and permission?

"Permission" is granted by someone in authority allowing another person to do something, while "consent" is voluntary agreement to something that involves or affects you. A teacher gives permission to leave the room; a patient gives consent to an operation.

People also searched

agreement accept opposition object permission approval disagree denial oppose refusal disagreement authorization

Nearby words

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