English vocabulary · C1
Acquiesce
/ˌækwiˈɛs/ · v.
It means to accept something quietly, without saying no. You may not be happy, but you go along with it and do not fight back.
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Example sentences
- She acquiesced to the new rules, even though she disagreed.
- The team acquiesced after hours of debate.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- ac — to (from Latin)
- quiesce — be quiet (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SUBMIT — to give in to a stronger force (No Choice Left)
- COMPLY — to do what is asked or required (Follow the Rule)
- CONCEDE — to admit defeat or give up a point (Admits the Other Wins)
Words with the same root
quiesce — be quiet
- quiet — making little or no noise
- quiescent — in a state of rest or stillness
Lesson notes
Acquiesce. It means to accept something quietly, without saying no. You may not be happy, but you go along with it and do not fight back.
Related: submit, comply, concede. Use acquiesce when someone accepts a decision without actively agreeing or protesting.
She acquiesced to the new rules, even though she disagreed. The team acquiesced after hours of debate.
From Latin. ac- means to. quiesce- means be quiet. To go quiet and accept: that is acquiesce.