Assent vs. Consent — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
"Assent" refers to agreement or approval, especially in the context of opinion. "Consent" implies a more formal agreement, often implying the granting of permission. E.g., "He gave his assent by nodding," versus "She gave her consent for the surgery."
Difference Between Assent and Consent
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Key Differences
"Assent" and "Consent" are words that convey agreement, but they differ in nuance and context. "Assent" is often used to indicate a general agreement or concurring opinion without the need for any action. A person may assent to an idea by simply nodding or verbally agreeing.
Contrastingly, "Consent" has a more formal undertone, generally used in situations requiring explicit permission or authorization. When an individual consents to something, it often means they are granting someone else the right to do something that affects them. In medical settings, for example, patients give consent for procedures.
In everyday usage, "Assent" may come across as a casual acknowledgment or acquiescence. It might be seen when someone assents to a comment made in a conversation, showing they agree. In essence, assent doesn't necessarily require deep consideration.
"Consent", however, holds legal weight in many situations. In legal contexts, consent often has to be documented, showing that an individual has been informed and agrees to certain terms, conditions, or actions. This is why we hear of "informed consent" in medical and research contexts.
To summarize, while both terms denote agreement, "Assent" tends to be more about general agreement or acknowledgment, whereas "Consent" revolves around explicit permission and often has legal or formal implications.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Agreement or approval, especially of opinion.
Formal agreement granting permission.
Nuance
General agreement or acknowledgment.
Explicit and often documented permission.
Usage
Common in everyday conversation.
Often used in legal, medical contexts.
Example
"She assented to his idea with a nod."
"He gave his consent for the medical trial."
Formality
Less formal.
More formal with potential legal implications
Compare with Definitions
Assent
A positive acknowledgment indicating approval.
With a smile, she gave her assent.
Consent
Acquiescence to what another proposes.
By his silence, he gave his consent.
Assent
Agreement or concurrence of opinion.
The committee gave its assent to the proposal.
Consent
Legal or formal authorization.
Without her consent, the action would be illegal.
Assent
Acquiescence or acceptance without protest.
There was a general assent to the plan among members.
Consent
Voluntary compliance or agreement.
The two parties entered into the contract with mutual consent.
Assent
A tacit or expressed approval of an idea.
Everyone in the room showed assent.
Consent
To give permission or approval formally.
She gave her consent for the operation.
Assent
To express acceptance or compliance non-verbally.
He assented with a nod.
Consent
An act of willingly agreeing to an action or arrangement.
The procedure requires the patient's consent.
Assent
The expression of approval or agreement
A loud murmur of assent
He nodded assent
Consent
Consent occurs when one person voluntarily agrees to the proposal or desires of another. It is a term of common speech, with specific definitions as used in such fields as the law, medicine, research, and sexual relationships.
Assent
Express approval or agreement
The Prime Minister assented to the change
‘Guest house, then,’ Frank assented cheerfully
Consent
Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something
No change may be made without the consent of all the partners
Assent
To express agreement or acceptance, as of a proposal.
Consent
Give permission for something to happen
He consented to a search by a detective
Assent
Agreement; concurrence
Reached assent on a course of action.
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.
Assent
Acquiescence; consent
Gave my assent to the plan.
Consent
(Archaic) To be of the same mind or opinion.
Assent
(intransitive) To agree to a proposal.
Consent
Acceptance or approval of what is planned or done by another; acquiescence.
Assent
Agreement; act of agreeing
I will give this act my assent.
Consent
Agreement as to opinion or a course of action
She was chosen by common consent to speak for the group.
Assent
A legal instrument that conveys real estate to an heir under the terms of a will.
Consent
(intransitive) To express willingness, to give permission.
After reflecting a little bit, I've decided to consent.
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.
Consent
To cause to sign a consent form.
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.
Consent
To grant; to allow; to assent to.
Assent
Agreement with a statement or proposal to do something;
He gave his assent eagerly
A murmur of acquiescence from the assembly
Consent
To agree in opinion or sentiment; to be of the same mind; to accord; to concur.
Assent
To agree or express agreement;
The Maestro assented to the request for an encore
Consent
Voluntary agreement or permission.
Consent
(obsolete) Unity or agreement of opinion, sentiment, or inclination.
Consent
(obsolete) Advice; counsel.
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.
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.
Consent
To grant; to allow; to assent to; to admit.
Interpreters . . . will not consent it to be a true story.
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.
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.
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.
Consent
Capable, deliberate, and voluntary assent or agreement to, or concurrence in, some act or purpose, implying physical and mental power and free action.
Consent
Sympathy. See Sympathy, 4.
Consent
Permission to do something;
He indicated his consent
Consent
Give an affirmative reply to; respond favorably to;
I cannot accept your invitation
I go for this resolution
Common Curiosities
Do "Assent" and "Consent" mean the same thing?
While both indicate agreement, "Assent" is a general approval, whereas "Consent" is a more formal permission.
Is "Assent" legally binding?
Typically, "Assent" is not legally binding, while "Consent" can be, especially in formal contexts.
When do we need to seek "Consent" in a medical setting?
In medical settings, consent is sought before procedures, treatments, or research involving patients.
Can "Consent" be non-verbal?
While "Consent" can be non-verbal, many formal situations require documented or explicit verbal consent.
Is "Assent" used in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Assent" can be used casually to show agreement or acknowledgment.
Does "Assent" always require deep consideration?
No, assent can be a simple acknowledgment or agreement without deep contemplation.
What's the importance of "informed consent"?
Informed consent ensures a person understands and agrees to the implications of an action, especially in medical or research contexts.
Can you "Assent" by nodding?
Yes, nodding can be a non-verbal way of showing assent.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
