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SuperESL Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Assent / Consent

Hi,

May I ask in what way is the usage of 'assent to' different from that of 'consent to'?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

To my ear 'consent' involves greater action. One who consents agrees that something will be done or agrees to do something. 'assent' seems less active to me.

— CalifJim

  • To my ear 'consent' involves greater action.
  • One who consents agrees that something will be done or agrees to do something.
  • 'assent' seems less active to me.
  • It's more like nodding one's head in agreement.
  • One who assents simply concurs with a given statement, agrees that it is true, or allows something to happen.
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3 Answers
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To my ear 'consent' involves greater action. One who consents agrees that something will be done or agrees to do something.

'assent' seems less active to me. It's more like nodding one's head in agreement. One who assents simply concurs with a given statement, agrees that it is true, or allows something to happen.

Your best bet is to use COCA (or even Google) to see how people
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Random House agrees with Jim:

AGREE, CONSENT, ACCEDE, ASSENT, CONCUR all suggest complying with the idea, sentiment, or action of someone. AGREE, the general term, suggests compliance in response to any degree of persuasion or opposition: to agree to go; to agree to a meeting, to a wish, request, demand, ultimatum. CONSENT, applying to rather important matters
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