acquiescent

American  

[ak-wee-es-uhnt] / ˌæk wiˈɛs ənt /

adjective

1. disposed to acquiesce or consent tacitly.

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Other Word Forms

• acquiescently adverb
• half-acquiescent adjective
• half-acquiescently adverb
• nonacquiescent adjective
• nonacquiescently adverb
• unacquiescent adjective
• unacquiescently adverb

Etymology

Origin of acquiescent

First recorded in 1745–55, acquiescent is from the Latin word acquiēscent- (stem of acquiēscēns, present participle of acquiēscere ). See acquiesce, -ent

Explanation

The adjective acquiescent describes someone who willingly carries out the wishes of others. If you say "yes" to every request for help, you may have an acquiescent personality — or the word "no" just may not be in your vocabulary. Acquiescent comes from the Latin word acquiescere, which means to remain at rest or become quiet. The root quies is also the origin of the English word "quiet." Acquiescent people are sometimes thought of as quiet and mousy because they tend to do what you ask without protest. Try not to take advantage of these people by saying things like "Give me the last piece of cake," or "Do you mind walking my dog?"

Example Sentences

The key to Sheinbaum's success seems to have been in refusing to back down on unreasonable requests or matters of real importance, while similarly not appearing subservient or acquiescent to the White House's demands.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2025

Especially when their mode of emotional reaction is increasingly becoming more combative and agitated rather than docile and acquiescent.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2023

Since assuming office after his third presidential bid, López Obrador has taken a pragmatic, and at times acquiescent, stance with Washington, acknowledging the crucial role of U.S. commerce and investment.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2023

Still, what do you expect, when the very bodies who are supposed to represent the game have been so acquiescent?

From New York Times • Feb. 25, 2022

She just chewed, but it seemed to me that I discerned something affirmative, acquiescent even if it wasn’t eager, in her air.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner