Consent

Definition

Consent refers to the voluntary agreement or permission given by an individual for something to happen or be done. It can also refer to the formal approval of an action or decision, especially after thoughtful consideration.

Parts of Speech

• Noun (the act of giving permission)
• Verb (to give permission or agree to something)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation (noun): /kənˈsɛnt/
• Respelling: kuhn-SENT
• IPA Pronunciation (verb): /kənˈsɛnt/
• Respelling: kuhn-SENT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation (noun): /kənˈsɛnt/
• Respelling: kuhn-SENT
• IPA Pronunciation (verb): /kənˈsɛnt/
• Respelling: kuhn-SENT

Etymology

The word "consent" comes from the Latin "consentire," meaning "to agree" or "to feel together." It is a combination of "con-" (together) and "sentire" (to feel), indicating a mutual agreement or shared understanding.

Derivatives

• Consensual (adjective)
• Consentingly (adverb)
• Consenter (noun)
• Non-consent (noun)
• Re-consent (verb)

Synonyms

• Agreement
• Approval
• Assent

Antonyms

• Refusal
• Denial
• Disagreement

Usage

The term "consent" is widely used in legal, medical, and social contexts. For example, in legal terms, an individual must give informed consent before a procedure is performed. In social contexts, it refers to mutual agreement or permission for an activity or interaction, such as in the phrase, "All parties gave their consent to the terms."

Related Terms

• Informed consent: The process by which an individual understands and agrees to a procedure or decision, typically after receiving all relevant information.
• Permission: The approval or authorization to do something.
• Agreement: A mutual understanding or arrangement between parties.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Permission for something to happen: Refers to the approval or agreement given for a specific action.
  • Example: "The doctor obtained the patient’s consent before the surgery."
• Agreement in opinion: Refers to mutual acceptance or shared views between parties.
  • Example: "There was general consent among the members on the proposed changes."

Verb

• To agree to do something: Refers to the act of giving permission or approval for an action.
  • Example: "She consented to participate in the research study."
• To give assent or permission: Indicates formal approval or agreement to proceed with a proposed action.
  • Example: "He consented to the terms of the contract."