Acquiesce In A Sentence|Definition & Meaning

When we come across the word “acquiesce,” we might feel like it’s a bit too formal for everyday conversations. But understanding its meaning and usage can open doors to more polished writing. Acquiesce is a verb that means to accept or comply with something passively or without protest. It’s different from agreeing outright because, with acquiescing, you may not fully support the idea, but you don’t oppose it either.

Think of it like this: You may acquiesce to your friend’s choice of a movie, even though it’s not your favourite genre. You’re not fully excited, but you’re not arguing against it either. It’s like a quiet acceptance or yielding to the situation.

How to Use “Acquiesce” in a Sentence

The word “acquiesce” is mostly used in more formal settings, such as business, legal documents, or polite conversations. It might sound a little too fancy for casual chats, but knowing how to use it correctly can give your communication a professional touch.

Examples of Acquiesce in Formal Sentences

Here are a few formal sentence examples where the word “acquiesce” fits perfectly:

• The board of directors decided to acquiesce to the CEO’s proposal after lengthy discussions.
• Despite initial resistance, the company eventually acquiesced to the new regulations imposed by the government.
• In the end, the opposition party acquiesced to the proposed amendments, allowing the bill to pass.

Examples of Acquiesce in Informal Sentences

Now, let’s take a look at how we can use the word “acquiesce” in more everyday sentences:

• I didn’t really like the idea of pizza for dinner, but I acquiesced to my friends’ decision.
• After arguing for hours, he finally acquiesced and agreed to let her choose the movie.
• She didn’t want to go, but to avoid conflict, she acquiesced to their plans.

Synonyms and Antonyms of “Acquiesce”

Synonyms of Acquiesce

Understanding words with similar meanings helps broaden your vocabulary. Synonyms of “acquiesce” include words that convey a sense of agreeing or complying without direct resistance. Some synonyms are:

• Comply
• Concede
• Yield
• Submit
• Consent

Each of these words has slight differences in meaning. For example, “submit” often suggests giving in to a more powerful force, while “consent” implies a voluntary agreement. Using “acquiesce” adds a touch of formality and suggests quiet acceptance without enthusiasm.

Antonyms of Acquiesce

On the flip side, knowing the opposites of “acquiesce” can be helpful too. Antonyms of “acquiesce” include words that show active disagreement or refusal to comply:

• Refuse
• Reject
• Resist
• Oppose
• Disagree

Using these words conveys a stronger position, showing that the person or party is standing firm and not yielding to pressure.

Common Mistakes When Using “Acquiesce”

Misunderstanding the Meaning

One common mistake people make is thinking “acquiesce” means to enthusiastically agree to something. However, it’s more about passive acceptance. If you agree to something happily, using “acquiesce” wouldn’t fit the situation. Instead, you might say, “I agreed,” or “I was happy to comply.”

Using Acquiesce in Casual Conversations

While there’s no rule against using “acquiesce” in casual conversations, it often sounds too formal for regular chat. Saying “I acquiesced to going to the movies” sounds stiffer than “I agreed to go to the movies.” It’s best to use “acquiesce” in formal emails, written communication, or polite discussions where a higher level of formality is needed.

Pronunciation Errors

Some people mispronounce “acquiesce.” It’s pronounced as ak-wee-ESS. The “qu” is not like the “k” in “quick,” but a softer sound, closer to “kw.” Practicing the correct pronunciation will help you use the word more confidently in both writing and speaking.

Formal Usage of “Acquiesce”

When Should You Use “Acquiesce”?

“Acquiesce” works best in formal writing or conversations where you want to show acceptance without direct enthusiasm. Here are some scenarios where it’s appropriate:

• Business settings: You might use “acquiesce” in business emails or negotiations when a decision is made after some reluctance.
• Legal contexts: Lawyers often use “acquiesce” in contracts or legal documents to describe silent compliance or acceptance of terms without protest.
• Polite conversations: If you’re writing a formal letter or engaging in a diplomatic conversation, “acquiesce” can be used to show quiet agreement.

Examples in Formal Emails

• “After considering the alternatives, we have decided to acquiesce to the terms of the contract.”
• “Although I had reservations, I will acquiesce to your proposal in the interest of progress.”

Using “acquiesce” in these contexts shows a level of professionalism and respect for formal tone, especially when there’s an element of reluctance or passive compliance.

Acquiesce in Legal and Business Contexts

In legal and business environments, “acquiesce” holds significant meaning. It often describes situations where one party accepts something without protest, which may later impact their legal rights.

Legal Context

In legal documents, “acquiesce” is used to indicate that a person or organization has accepted a condition or action, often without fully agreeing but also without raising objections. For example, if a tenant continues to pay rent without disputing a landlord’s change in lease terms, the tenant may be considered to have acquiesced to those terms.

• Example: “The plaintiff acquiesced to the terms of the settlement, effectively waiving any future claims.”

This term is critical in legal settings because it can imply that the person or party has given up certain rights by failing to object.

Business Context

In business, “acquiesce” is used in negotiations and contracts. A company might acquiesce to a partner’s demands in a deal, showing that while they might not fully agree, they won’t actively resist either. This can be a strategic move to maintain harmony in partnerships or business relationships.

• Example: “After much negotiation, the board decided to acquiesce to the merger agreement.”

In both legal and business settings, using “acquiesce” demonstrates passive compliance without creating conflict.

Word Origin and Etymology of “Acquiesce”

Like many words in the English language, “acquiesce” has roots in Latin. It originates from the word “acquiescere,” which means “to rest,” or “to find peace with.” Over time, its meaning evolved into “passive acceptance” or “quiet compliance.”

How It Entered English

The word “acquiesce” entered the English language in the late 16th century. It was initially used in more philosophical and literary contexts, but eventually became common in legal and business writing. Today, it’s recognized as a formal word, often reserved for professional or high-level communication.

Understanding the origin of the word helps you see why it’s so closely tied to the ideas of passivity and acceptance rather than enthusiastic agreement.

Acquiesce in Popular Culture and Literature

Famous Literary Examples

Many writers and poets have used “acquiesce” to express passive acceptance or quiet compliance. For instance, in Victorian literature, characters often acquiesce to societal norms or rules even when they disagree with them.

• Example from Literature: “She acquiesced to the rigid customs of the family, even though her heart longed for freedom.”

This type of usage helps convey a sense of resignation without outright rebellion.

In Movies and Media

You may also find “acquiesce” in formal dialogues in movies or political speeches, often when someone is subtly yielding to another’s decision. It’s a word that suggests an unspoken understanding or compromise.

FAQs

What is the meaning of “acquiesce”?

“Acquiesce” means to accept or agree to something quietly, without fighting or arguing. It shows that you might not fully like the idea, but you decide not to oppose it. You are choosing to go along with it without protest.

Can “acquiesce” be used in everyday conversations?

Yes, but “acquiesce” is a more formal word and is usually used in business or legal settings. In casual conversations, it might sound too fancy. Instead, you could use simpler words like “agree” or “accept.”

Is “acquiesce” the same as “agree”?

Not exactly. “Agree” means you are happy or supportive of something, while “acquiesce” means you accept it, but without being enthusiastic. When you acquiesce, you are more passive and not actively involved in the decision.

How do you pronounce “acquiesce”?

“Acquiesce” is pronounced as ak-wee-ESS. Make sure the “qu” sounds like “kw,” not a hard “k.” Practicing it a few times will help you say it smoothly.

When should I use “acquiesce” in writing?

Use “acquiesce” when you want to show passive acceptance in a formal context, like a business email or legal document. It works best when you’re describing situations where someone accepts something without fully agreeing to it.

Conclusion

Using the word “acquiesce” can elevate your writing, giving it a more formal and polished tone. While it may seem like a difficult word at first, it’s actually quite simple once you understand its meaning and how to use it in sentences. Remember, acquiescing isn’t about excited agreement; it’s about quiet acceptance without protest. Whether you’re writing a business email, crafting a legal document, or just aiming for more formal communication, “acquiesce” can be the perfect word to express passive compliance.