acquiescence

Everyday

(formal) Acquiescence is the act of accepting or agreeing to something quietly, without protest, even if you are not keen. tree →

In the lessons

In history and formal writing, «the acquiescence of the people» means they did not resist a ruler or law. In ethics lessons, pupils think about when silent acquiescence to unfairness is wrong and when speaking up matters. Phrases: «with the acquiescence of», «silent acquiescence», «nod of acquiescence».

Examples

• He gave a nod of acquiescence. tree →
• The plan went ahead with the acquiescence of the parents. tree →
• Silent acquiescence can let bullying continue. tree →
• The teacher took our silence as acquiescence. tree →
• Her acquiescence surprised everyone, because she usually argued. tree →
• The new rule was accepted with grumbling acquiescence. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Say «ak-wee-ESS-ence». Spelling: ac-qui-es-cence (with «cq» and «sc»). Verb: acquiesce. Adjective: acquiescent. Acquiescence is not enthusiastic agreement — it is going along with something.