acquiesce

Everyday

(formal) To acquiesce means to agree to something quietly, or to accept it without arguing, even if you are not keen: «She acquiesced to the plan.» tree →

In the lessons

In formal writing, history and exam texts, people acquiesce to rules, demands or decisions. In stories, a character acquiesces with a sigh. In everyday talk people say «go along with», «give in», «agree». Phrases: «acquiesce in», «acquiesce to».

Examples

• After a long argument, Dad acquiesced and let us stay up late. tree →
• The king acquiesced to the barons' demands. tree →
• She acquiesced with a nod, though she didn't really agree. tree →
• My brother acquiesced in the plan to share the bike. tree →
• The council acquiesced to the parents' request for a crossing. tree →
• The cat acquiesced to being picked up — for once. tree →

Note

Formal, tricky spelling: ac-qui-esce (with «cq» and «sce»). Say «ak-wee-ESS». Followed by «in» or «to». Acquiescing is quiet agreement; it is weaker than wholehearted agreement.