Assent vs. Consent: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 5, 2024
Assent is agreement, often passive or implied, while consent is explicit, informed agreement, usually for legal or formal purposes.
Key Differences
Assent is a term that implies agreement, often non-verbal or implied through action, while consent is more explicit and involves a clear, informed agreement, typically used in legal and formal contexts. Assent can be as simple as a nod, indicating agreement with a proposal, whereas consent usually requires a more definitive acknowledgment, often in writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
In the context of social interactions, assent is often informal and can be understood from context, like assenting to a friend's suggestion by joining them without verbal confirmation. Consent, on the other hand, is pivotal in legal scenarios, such as consenting to medical treatment, where explicit, informed, and often documented agreement is necessary.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
When discussing opinions or decisions, assent is generally considered to be a softer form of agreement, possibly without full endorsement. In contrast, consent implies a more active, deliberate decision, often after considering all aspects. For instance, a team member might assent to a group decision passively, whereas consent would imply a more active role in the decision-making process.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Assent can sometimes be inferred, whereas consent is typically unequivocal and often requires a clear declaration or action. For example, in governance, a member of a board might assent by not objecting to a decision, whereas consent would involve a clear vote or signature in favor of the decision.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Comparison Chart
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Requirement
May not require full understanding
Requires informed understanding
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Assent and Consent Definitions
Assent
Concurrence of opinion.
The committee gave its assent to the proposal.
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Dec 19, 2023
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Consent
Agreement to terms.
She signed the document, indicating her consent.
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Dec 19, 2023
Assent
Acquiescence or compliance.
She assented to the terms without argument.
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Dec 19, 2023
Consent
Informed approval.
Consent was obtained from all participants of the study.
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Dec 19, 2023
Consent
Legal or formal agreement.
The contract was valid only with the explicit consent of both parties.
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Dec 19, 2023
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Consent
Willingness to participate.
He consented to be part of the research project.
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Dec 19, 2023
Consent
To give assent, as to the proposal of another; agree
Consent to medical treatment.
Consent to going on a business trip.
Consent to see someone on short notice.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Consent
Acceptance or approval of what is planned or done by another; acquiescence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Consent
Agreement as to opinion or a course of action
She was chosen by common consent to speak for the group.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Consent
(intransitive) To express willingness, to give permission.
After reflecting a little bit, I've decided to consent.
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Dec 13, 2023
Assent
A legal instrument that conveys real estate to an heir under the terms of a will.
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Dec 13, 2023
Assent
To admit a thing as true; to express one's agreement, acquiescence, concurrence, or concession.
Who informed the governor . . . And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
The princess assented to all that was suggested.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Assent
The act of assenting; the act of the mind in admitting or agreeing to anything; concurrence with approval; consent; agreement; acquiescence.
Faith is the assent to any proposition, on the credit of the proposer.
The assent, if not the approbation, of the prince.
Too many people read this ribaldry with assent and admiration.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Consent
To agree in opinion or sentiment; to be of the same mind; to accord; to concur.
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Dec 13, 2023
Assent
Agreement with a statement or proposal to do something;
He gave his assent eagerly
A murmur of acquiescence from the assembly
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Dec 13, 2023
Assent
To agree or express agreement;
The Maestro assented to the request for an encore
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Dec 13, 2023
Consent
(obsolete) Unity or agreement of opinion, sentiment, or inclination.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Assent
A non-verbal or passive form of agreement.
His smile was seen as assent to the question.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Consent
To agree in opinion or sentiment; to be of the same mind; to accord; to concur.
And Saul was consenting unto his death.
Flourishing many years before Wyclif, and much consenting with him in jugdment.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Consent
To indicate or express a willingness; to yield to guidance, persuasion, or necessity; to give assent or approval; to comply.
My poverty, but not my will, consents.
And whispering "I will ne'er consent," - consented.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Consent
To grant; to allow; to assent to; to admit.
Interpreters . . . will not consent it to be a true story.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Consent
Agreement in opinion or sentiment; the being of one mind; accord.
All with one consent began to make excuse.
They fell together all, as by consent.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Consent
Correspondence in parts, qualities, or operations; agreement; harmony; coherence.
The melodious consent of the birds.
Such is the world's great harmony that springsFrom union, order, full consent of things.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Consent
Voluntary accordance with, or concurrence in, what is done or proposed by another; acquiescence; compliance; approval; permission.
Thou wert possessed of David's throneBy free consent of all.
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Dec 13, 2023
Consent
Capable, deliberate, and voluntary assent or agreement to, or concurrence in, some act or purpose, implying physical and mental power and free action.
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Dec 13, 2023
Consent
Give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to;
I cannot accept your invitation
I go for this resolution
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Dec 13, 2023
Consent
Permission for something to happen.
He gave his consent for the medical procedure.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does consent require active participation?
Yes, consent involves active agreement.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Is assent sufficient in legal contracts?
No, explicit consent is usually required.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Can children give legal consent?
Typically, they cannot; adult consent is required.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Is consent always required in legal matters?
Yes, consent is typically required in legal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Is written form necessary for consent?
Often, especially in formal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Does consent imply full understanding?
Yes, consent implies informed and full understanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Is consent crucial in medical decisions?
Yes, it is essential for informed medical decisions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Is written consent always necessary?
In formal situations, it is often necessary.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Does assent involve decision making?
It can, but often in a passive manner.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Is assent legally recognized?
It's recognized but less formal than consent.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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