'assent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'assentire', where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'sentire' meant 'to feel' or 'to perceive'.

'assent' passed into English via Old French 'assentir' and Middle English 'assenten', eventually becoming the modern English word 'assent' (and its derived forms like 'assenting').

Initially it meant 'to feel favorably toward' or 'to give agreement', and over time it evolved into its current primary meaning of 'to agree or give approval'.