From Old French consentir ('to agree'), from Latin consentire ('to feel together, agree'), combining com- ('with, together') and sentire ('to feel'). The sense evolution from 'feeling together' to 'mutual agreement' occurred in French before the word passed into English around 1300. The noun and verb have coexisted since Middle English.
What does consent mean?
Consent means voluntary agreement to something. As a noun: 'she gave her consent'. As a verb: 'they consented to the terms'. In legal and medical contexts it must be freely given, informed, specific, and revocable.
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is a legal and ethical standard requiring that a person fully understands what they are agreeing to before giving consent. It is used in medicine (before procedures), research (before participation), and data protection (before collecting personal data).
What is the difference between consent and permission?
Both mean allowing something, but consent carries a stronger ethical weight — it implies the person genuinely had the power to refuse and actively chose to agree. Permission is more neutral and is often granted by an authority figure downward.
Does consent have to be verbal?
Not always in everyday use, but in legal, medical, and sexual contexts, explicit verbal or written consent is strongly recommended. Silence or lack of objection is not legally or ethically sufficient consent.
What is the origin of the word consent?
Consent comes from Latin consentire, meaning 'to feel together', combining com- (with) and sentire (to feel). It entered English around 1300 via Old French consentir.