Assent
Etymology
From Latin "assentire," from ad- (to) and "sentire" (to feel, to think) — the root behind "sentiment" and "consent." The literal sense is to "feel with" or "think alongside," and the word settled into English for agreeing with a statement or ratifying a decision, as in royal assent to a law.
verb · /uh-SENT/
To agree that something is true or acceptable; to express approval.
What it names
Useful when the point is intellectual or formal agreement — accepting a claim or a proposal, rather than granting permission.
Example
The board members nodded their assent, and the merger was formally approved.
Related idea
Consent is permission for something to be done to or with you; assent is agreement that a claim is true or a course of action is right.