Acquiesce
It is the word for when you stop fighting because the fight costs more than the principle, not because you agree.
Learn This WordMeaning
To accept something reluctantly but without protest; to comply passively.
Memory trick
ACQUIESCE = "quiet yes", you go quiet and accept (from Latin "be quiet").
Examples
He acquiesced to the plan even though he preferred another approach.
After hours of debate, she acquiesced and signed the contract.
The board acquiesced in the CEO’s decision rather than force a public fight.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin acquiescere "to rest, find rest in," from ad- "to" + quiescere "to be quiet."
Usage Notes
Often used with "to" or "in." Implies quiet acceptance, not enthusiastic agreement.
Real-life contexts
Use for compromise: "I acquiesced so we could move forward."
Use in politics: "They acquiesced to pressure from allies."
Use honestly: "I didn’t love it, but I acquiesced."
Common Mistakes
Acquiesce is not the same as "agree happily." It often carries reluctance.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
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