When to use assent, ascent and accent
The differences between assent, ascent and accent:
The board gave their assent to the proposal.
The ascent of the mountain was challenging.
He gave his ascent to the plan.
The assent of the hill was steep.
Assent may be a noun or a verb: the former refers to an “official agreement to or approval of something”; the latter means “to agree to a request, an idea or a suggestion”.
Ascent is a noun (the verb form is ascend) that refers to “the act of climbing or moving up; a journey that goes up something”. For example, “the first ascent of Mount Everest” is the correct context.
An accent describes the way people pronounce words in different languages or regions in the world. As in, he has a strong southern Scottish accent.
There were murmurs of both assent and dissent from the crowd.
The cart began its gradual ascent up the hill.
It was a fine performance from Diaz, despite her poor Irish accent.
“Assent” / “ascent”, used in sentences
| Examples: “assent” used in sentences |
|---|
| Nobody would assent to the terms they proposed. |
| Examples: “ascent” used in sentences |
|---|
| The cart began its gradual ascent up the hill. The rocket steepened its ascent. At the other side of the valley was a steep ascent to the top of the hill. |
Assent, synonyms
- acknowledgment
- acquiescence
- concurrence
- consent
- concurrence
- consent
The difference between “assent” and “ascent,” associate “assent” with “agreement” (as in giving your assent to a proposal), and “ascent” with “ascending” (as in climbing a mountain).
Ascent, synonyms
- ascendance
- ascension
- climb
Word origin (of assent/ascent)
c. 1300, “agree to, approve;” late 14c. “admit as true,” from Old French assentir “agree; get used to” (12c.), from Latin assentare/adsentare, frequentative of assentire “agree with, approve”.
Read about other misused words
| Commonly misused words | UK English vs. US English |
|---|---|
| former vs. latter | burned or burnt? |
| bear with vs. bare with | color or colour? |
| breathe or breath | favorite vs. favourite |
| compliment vs. complement | smelled or smelt? |
| effect vs. affect | gray or grey? |
| elude or allude | favor vs. favour |
| it’s or its | analyze or analyse? |
Sources
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionary on “assent” and “ascent”. Accessed 7 April, 2024.
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of assent and ascent.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/assent. Accessed 7 April, 2024.
Work Sheet
According to the blog post, what is the primary meaning of the noun “assent”?
Which word refers to the act of climbing or moving up, according to the post?
The blog post notes that “He gave his ascent to the plan” is incorrect. Why?
Which of the following words can be used as both a noun and a verb, according to the blog post?
What does the word “accent” describe in the context of the blog post?
The steep of the hill tired the hikers.
The committee members nodded in to the proposal.
She spoke with a clear American .
Nobody would to such unreasonable demands.
The rocket’s into orbit was successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference assent and ascent?
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Is assent always a noun?
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When do you use ascent?
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What does accent mean?
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Can ascent mean agreement?
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Yash, D. "Assent or Ascent (or Accent?)." Grammarflex, Jun 6, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/assent-or-ascent-or-accent/.
