What's the Difference Between 'Assent' and 'Consent'?

In this blog post we look at when to use assent and when to use consent.

'Assent' or 'Consent'?

"Assent" and "consent" are two different words with similar meanings. Both words can be used to mean "agreement or approval," but there are some slight differences in the connotations and usage of these words.

"Assent" tends to be used in more formal or legal contexts, and it often refers to agreeing to or approving of a proposal or plan.

For example, you might say "He gave his assent to the terms of the contract."

"Consent" is more commonly used in everyday speech and can refer to giving permission or approval for something to happen.

For example, you might say "She gave her consent for the surgery."

Here are a few sentences that demonstrate the difference between "assent" and "consent":

  • "He gave his assent to the terms of the contract." (The word "assent" here refers to agreeing to or approving of a proposal or plan.)

  • "She gave her consent for the surgery." (The word "consent" here refers to giving permission or approval for something to happen.)

  • "The board of directors gave their assent to the new policy." (The word "assent" here refers to agreeing to or approving of a proposal or plan.)

  • "She gave her consent for her daughter to go on the field trip." (The word "consent" here refers to giving permission or approval for something to happen.)

  • "He gave his assent to the invitation to speak at the conference." (The word "assent" here refers to agreeing to or approving of a proposal or plan.)

  • "The parents gave their consent for their child to participate in the study." (The word "consent" here refers to giving permission or approval for something to happen.)

Examples of Assent in a Sentence

Here are ten examples using the word "assent":

  1. "He gave his assent to the terms of the contract."

  2. "The board of directors gave their assent to the new policy."

  3. "She hesitated before giving her assent to the request."

  4. "The government officials gave their assent to the treaty."

  5. "He gave his assent to the invitation to speak at the conference."

  6. "She asked for her parents' assent before making the decision."

  7. "The scientist gave his assent to the experiment."

  8. "The teacher asked for the students' assent before continuing the lesson."

  9. "He gave his assent to the marriage proposal and accepted the ring."

  10. "The board of trustees gave their assent to the new building project."

Examples of Consent in a Sentence

Here are ten examples using the word "consent":

  1. "She gave her consent for the surgery."

  2. "He gave his consent to the proposal."

  3. "The parents gave their consent for their child to participate in the study."

  4. "She gave her consent for her daughter to go on the field trip."

  5. "He gave his consent to the terms of the contract."

  6. "The teacher asked for the students' consent before showing the film."

  7. "The patient gave his consent for the procedure."

  8. "She gave her consent for the experiment to proceed."

  9. "He gave his consent to the use of his image in the advertisement."

  10. "The landowner gave his consent for the pipeline to be built on his property."


Assent or Consent
Assent or Consent