Meaning & use
consented
Last updated
UK/kənˈsentɪd/
US/kənˈsentɪd/
“consented” is a form of “consent”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
verbintransitive
Gave permission or agreed to something that someone else wanted to do or have happen.
Grammar: No object; usually followed by to: consented to the plan.
Patterns
- consent to something
- consent to do something
She consented to the interview.
The patient consented to surgery.
His parents finally consented to the trip.
Word forms
| third person singular | consents |
|---|---|
| past tense | consented |
| -ing form | consenting |
Common combinations
- consented to a search
- He consented to a search of his car.
- willingly consented
- She willingly consented to help.
- reluctantly consented
- They reluctantly consented to the change.
- consented in writing
- The patient consented in writing.
- consented to treatment
- He consented to treatment.
Synonyms and how they differ
- agreed
- Agreed is more general and can describe equal opinions, not only permission.
- assented
- Assented is more formal and often means agreeing to an idea.
- allowed
- Allowed puts the focus on the person who lets something happen.
Opposites
Word family
- consent noun/verb
- Permission, or to give permission.
- consenting adjective
- Willing and able to agree.
- consensual adjective
- Done with agreement.
Commonly confused: consented or consensus?
consented vs consensus
Consensus is general agreement among a group, while consent is permission from a person.
Practice
He ___ to the search after the officer asked politely.
Choose one answer.
Consent takes to, so consented to the search fits. Accepted, approved and permitted do not take that pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “consented”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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