Consent

/kənˈsent/

nounBeginnerVery CommonLegal

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Agreement or permission.

/kənˈsent/

nounneutralBeginner
Legal

Agreement or permission for something to happen or be done.

The project moved forward after receiving the necessary consent from stakeholders.

💡 Simply: It's like saying 'yes' to something. Imagine your friend asks if they can borrow your favorite toy, and you say 'yes' – that's giving consent! Consent is about letting someone do something or letting something happen.

👶 For kids: When you say it's okay to do something.

More Examples

2

She obtained written consent before publishing the interview.

3

He gave his consent for the research to be conducted.

How It's Used

Legal

"The patient gave informed consent before the surgery."

General

"She sought her parents' consent to go on the trip."

2

To give permission or agree to something.

/kənˈsent/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To give permission for something to happen or be done.

The committee consented to the proposal after some revisions.

💡 Simply: It's like agreeing to something. Like when your parents say you can go to a friend's house – they are consenting! It's agreeing that something is okay to do.

👶 For kids: To say 'yes' to something.

More Examples

2

She reluctantly consented to the marriage.

3

The company consented to the terms of the contract.

How It's Used

General

"The landlord consented to the tenant's request for a pet."

Legal

"The defendant consented to the search of his vehicle."

Tip:Think of 'sent' being added to the action of agreeing.

Idioms & expressions

implied consent

Agreement that is not expressed directly but is shown through actions.

"By continuing to use the service after the terms changed, the user gave implied consent to the new terms."

informed consent

Agreement given with full knowledge of all the risks and benefits involved.

"The patient signed an informed consent form before undergoing the procedure."

From Middle English, from Old French consentir (“to agree, consent”), from Latin consentire (“to agree”), from con- (“with, together”) + sentire (“to feel, perceive”).

Used in legal and ethical discussions for centuries.

Memory tip

Think of a 'sent' message that you agree with.

consintconsetconsnet

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written