Both words refer to an inherent characteristic that makes a person likely to act in a certain way. When we say someone has a tendency, such as a tendency to overeat, or the media’s tendency to sensationalize, we mean that they have a distinct inclination to engage in or be drawn to these behaviors (which are usually weaknesses or flaws). Someone who has a predisposition has been rigged, so to speak, to develop a tendency or condition, which may or may not materialize. Typically a predisposition is characterized as innate, underlying, or, more concretely, genetic, hereditary, or biological (a genetic predisposition to diabetes). However, environmental and social factors could also make a person more likely to adopt certain behaviors (a psychological predisposition to violent behavior). When we have an ideological predisposition, ingrained ideas steer us toward certain opinions, beliefs, and values.

Both consent and acquiesce refer to agreeing to or permitting something requested, demanded, or required. A person who consents freely gives a verbal or written agreement necessary to permit something (consented to be hypnotized). To consent to something is often a formal act or legal requirement. Acquiesce suggests a passive, unspoken, sometimes coerced agreement to do or permit something. Someone who acquiesces complies, goes along with, or gives in to what someone else wants: The prime minister acquiesced to the taxpayers’ demands). Some adverbs frequently found accompanying acquiesce are finally, meekly, and grudgingly.

Both words refer to possessing or exercising power or will over something or someone. Control suggests the ability or power to determine what someone or something does: a thermostat controls the temperature; the majority political party controls the House; the gods control my destiny. Dominate suggests the possession or exercise of power, rule, or mastery over others. A wrestler who dominates her opponent repeatedly overpowers her and wins. Someone who dominates the conversation may talk over everyone or keep their topic or views foremost. In a male-dominated society, men have more power than women. A country may have the goal of extending its power and dominating a region outside its borders.