'acquiesce' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acquiescere,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'quiescere' meant 'to rest.'

'acquiescere' transformed into the French word 'acquiescer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'acquiesce' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to rest or remain at rest,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to accept or comply passively.'