Word-Loving Wednesday: Acquiesce

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Every Wednesday, I’ll be showing some love to a relatively unknown, underused or under-appreciated word. This week’s word is:

Acquiesce

(Verb)

Definition: To accept something reluctantly, without protest.
Example: He asked her out on a date and she acquiesced.

This is one of those words that I see a lot in print (especially in older books), but hardly ever hear used in day-to-day conversation. It’s a beautiful sounding word, and I can’t think of any other words that (in isolation) reflect the same meaning.

Will you join me in attempting to use the word “acquiesce” (or a derivative) in conversation at least once this week? Be sure to report back in the comments section below regarding the context in which you used it!

 

Photo courtesy of Trevor on Flickr.

Posted in: WRITING

10 Thoughts on “Word-Loving Wednesday: Acquiesce”

  1. Emil Terhoven on 11 December, 2013 at 11:52 pm said:

    I have been struggling to connect to online Assassin’s Creed sessions, but instead of unleashing hell, i acquiesced :-). Really annoying though.

    Also, some people use the word ‘sure’ in the same way, don’t you think? When you wanna do something for somebody, an emphatic yes is great. ‘Sure’ can sound a little reluctant. Emil, can our drummer use your kit at the gig? Sure. That sort of thing.

    • Mali Korsten on 12 December, 2013 at 12:03 am said:

      Haha! I dare you to say that to one of your gamer friends! 😀

      I think that saying “sure” can definitely indicate acquiescence, but they’re not synonyms, as they can’t be used interchangeably. “Sure” (in such a context) is an adverb, rather than a verb.

  2. Emil Terhoven on 12 December, 2013 at 12:14 am said:

    It cut my reply short!

    Consent could work in the right context, but it isn’t as definite as this word. Consent isn’t nessecarily reluctant

    • Mali Korsten on 12 December, 2013 at 12:19 am said:

      Yes, consent works, but lacks the intrinsic suggestion of reluctance.

    • Mali Korsten on 12 December, 2013 at 12:24 am said:

      I think perhaps “concede” is the closest synonym, although not exactly the same. To concede implies an initial resistance but eventual acceptance. Acquiescence (if I understand correctly) implies reluctance and acceptance simultaneously, without protest. But I’m splitting hairs. They could be used fairly interchangeably, I think.

  3. Emily Grobler on 12 December, 2013 at 9:12 am said:

    I’m trying to figure out – how do you pronounce this word? Love expanding my vocabulary!!

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