acquiescent
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
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?"
Vocabulary lists containing acquiescent
Dog Vocabulary: A Canine Lexicon
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And Then There Were None
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The Haunting of Hill House
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
“That’s exactly what I was thinking,” she said she responded, trying to “play it cool” and realizing “just how acquiescent I had become.”
From Washington Post ● Feb. 24, 2021
He crossed his limp wrists in his lap and hardly seemed to be breathing as he sat with his gaze drooping toward the floor in acquiescent defeat.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
