Assent vs Consent
What’s the difference between them?
Assent
Meaning:
agreement to be a part of something.
Examples:
1. The teacher asked for the class's assent before continuing the lesson.
2. After much consideration, she gave her assent to the plan.
3. The board unanimously gave their assent to the proposal.
Consent
Meaning:
allowing something to happen, especially after thinking it over and considering the consequences.
Examples:
1. She gave her consent to the proposal.
2. His parents gave their consent for him to go to the party.
3. Without her consent, he could not proceed with the agreement.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Assent
1. Agree
2. Accord
3. Concur
4. Acceptance
1. Dissent
2. Refusal
3. Rejection
4. Objection
5. Denial
Consent
1. Approval
2. Permission
1. Refusal
2. Disapproval
3. Objection
4. Denial
5. Noncompliance
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Assent", "Consent".
1. Keep in mind that 'Assent' is an agreement to something, while 'Consent' is permission to do something.
2. 'Assent' is agreeing; 'Consent' is allowing.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
What situations should 'Assent' be used in?
Assent should be used when one is giving their agreement to a proposal, or when they are expressing their approval or acceptance of something. For example, assent can be used when granting permission or when agreeing to do something.
When is the appropriate context for using 'Consent'?
Consent is typically used when discussing legal matters or when granting permission for something more serious, such as medical procedures. Consent implies more of a formal agreement, and is usually required for activities that could have serious consequences.
Do 'Assent' and 'Consent' share the same pronunciation?
No, although they have a similar spelling, the words have different pronunciations. Assent is pronounced a-sent, while consent is pronounced con-sent.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake people make when using these words is mistakenly using assent for consent, or vice versPeople may also assume that assent and consent mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. Although both words mean agreement, it is important to understand the context in which each one is used.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. He gave his ____________ to the plan before it was put into action.
2. She refused to give her ____________ for the idea, because she disagreed with it.
3. The majority of the board members gave their ____________ to the plan.
4. The proposal could not go ahead without the ____________ of the stakeholders.
5. The team leader asked for unanimous ____________ for the plan to be approved.
6. After careful consideration, the department head gave her ____________ to the proposal.
1. He gave his assent to the plan before it was put into action.
Explanation: Assent means to agree or consent, so it is appropriate in this sentence.
2. She refused to give her consent for the idea, because she disagreed with it.
Explanation: Consent means to give approval or permission, so it is appropriate in this sentence.
3. The majority of the board members gave their assent to the plan.
Explanation: Assent means to agree or consent, so it is appropriate in this sentence.
4. The proposal could not go ahead without the consent of the stakeholders.
Explanation: Consent means to give approval or permission, so it is appropriate in this sentence.
5. The team leader asked for unanimous assent for the plan to be approved.
Explanation: Assent means to agree or consent, so it is appropriate in this sentence.
6. After careful consideration, the department head gave her consent to the proposal.
Explanation: Consent means to give approval or permission, so it is appropriate in this sentence.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.