acquiesce
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “acquiesce” mean?
verb.to accept something reluctantly but without protest.
SAT Usage
This verb often appears in passages related to conflict resolution or social dynamics, emphasizing a sense of resignation or acceptance in the face of pressure or authority. It implies a lack of enthusiasm or agreement, distinguishing it from terms like "agree" or "consent," which suggest more active approval.
Common Confusions
Acquiesce implies a passive acceptance of something undesirable, while consent usually suggests an active agreement or approval of a situation.
Do not choose acquiesce if the context emphasizes enthusiastic agreement or active support rather than accepting something reluctantly but without protest.
Example Sentences
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He acquiesced to the decision, though he was not pleased.
Word Parts: How to Remember “acquiesce”
Break “acquiesce” into its parts: ad- (to, toward). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ad-to, toward (Latin)