What does consent mean?
Consent denotes voluntary agreement or permission given by a person who has the capacity and freedom to decide. It functions both as a noun — the permission itself — and as a verb meaning to grant that permission. The word carries substantial weight in law, medicine, and ethics, where valid consent must be informed, deliberate, and freely given: patients consent to treatment, research subjects consent to participation, and parties consent to contracts. Beyond these formal settings, consent governs ordinary interactions, from borrowing property to sharing personal information. Its connotations are serious and dignified; it presupposes autonomy and respect for individual choice. Related phrases such as 'informed consent' and 'mutual consent' underscore its role in establishing legitimate, mutually agreed action. As a concept central to personal boundaries, democratic legitimacy, and contractual obligation, consent remains one of the most socially important words in English.
Permission for something to happen, or agreement to do something.
"The parents signed a form giving their consent to the school trip."
Often used in fixed phrases like 'informed consent' and 'with/by mutual consent'.
To agree to do something, or to allow something to happen.
"She consented to an interview after weeks of hesitation."
Usually followed by 'to' plus a noun or gerund.
Rarely used in the plural; usually treated as uncountable. Plural appears mainly in legal or administrative contexts referring to multiple separate permissions.
"All consents required under the planning regulations have been obtained."
The word 'consent' literally means 'to feel together' in Latin — and it's been binding agreements between people for over 700 years.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of consent
Consent derives from the Latin verb 'consentire', formed from 'con-' (together) and 'sentire' (to feel), hence originally 'to feel together' or 'agree'. It entered English via Old French in the Middle English period, appearing by around the thirteenth century. The same Latin root gives us 'consensus', 'sense', and 'sensible'. Its long association with legal and moral agreement reflects centuries of use in formal contexts.
Related word forms
How consent is actually used
In legal and medical contexts, consent carries significant weight — 'informed consent' is a formal requirement in research ethics and healthcare. The verb form is typically followed by 'to' + noun or gerund ('consented to the search', 'consented to participate'). Consent implies active agreement rather than passive failure to object.
Easily confused with consent
Assent means agreement or approval, often to an idea or proposal, while consent specifically means granting permission, especially in legal, medical, or ethical contexts.
Consensus refers to a collective agreement reached by a group, whereas consent is an individual's permission or agreement.