adjective

acquiescent

ak-wee-ES-uhnt/ˌækwiˈesnt/

Willing to accept or comply without protest.

She gives an acquiescent nod and helps him move the chair.

Woman calmly accepts man suggesting move chair to side, open relaxed hands and willing nod while helping slide chair, no objection or argument.

Etymology

acLatinto, toward

+quiescLatinbecome quiet, rest

+entLatinpresent participle

The participial form describes becoming quiet or remaining at rest. Through the verb's sense of being content or satisfied, it came to describe someone disposed to yield rather than protest.

In context

The Napoleonic Wars Channel31:49

are they supporters of British intentions in India? No. Um are they acquiescent? Are they sort of feathering their own nest?

Mutiny

More examples

His acquiescent response surprises everyone who expected an argument.
The committee remains acquiescent even as the costs rise.
She is polite but not acquiescent when the rules seem unfair.

Forms

acquiescent

acquiesce verb — To accept or comply without expressing protest.

acquiescence noun — Acceptance or compliance without open protest.

Similar words

compliant: Compliant emphasizes following instructions or meeting another person's demands.
submissive: Submissive suggests yielding to authority with little resistance or independence.