To assent means to agree to something or give your approval, often after thinking it over. When your parents assent to your request for a sleepover, they're saying yes. When a group leader asks “All in favor?” and everyone nods, they're giving their assent to the proposal.

The word carries a sense of thoughtful agreement rather than wild enthusiasm. A teacher might assent to a student's request to work on a project outdoors, meaning she considers it reasonable and grants permission. A committee gives its assent when it formally approves a plan.

You'll often see assent used in more formal or official situations: a treaty requires the assent of both nations, or new school rules need the principal's assent. When someone nods in assent, they're signaling agreement through body language.

Don't confuse assent with ascent, which means climbing upward. They sound identical but mean completely different things: you might give your assent to a mountain-climbing trip, then make your ascent to the summit.