dissent
dih-SENT
/dɪˈsent/
The expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held.
Often used in political or legal contexts (e.g., a 'dissenting opinion' from a judge). It implies a principled stand against the majority.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'dissentire,' meaning 'to feel differently.' It suggests that the disagreement isn't just logical, but a fundamental difference in how one perceives or feels about a situation.
Word relationships
- disagreement: Disagreement is general; dissent is specifically against an established authority or majority.
- assent: Assent is formal agreement with a proposal or authority.
Commonly confused with
- descent: Descent is the act of moving downwards; dissent is a disagreement.
Word family
- dissenter (noun): One who disagrees with an official view.
- dissenting (adjective): Disagreeing.
Collocations
- voice dissent
- dissenting voice
- religious dissent
- popular dissent
Example sentences
- "Justice Scalia wrote a vigorous dissent in the landmark case." Supreme Court ruling.
- "The regime worked hard to suppress any form of political dissent." Political protest.
Memory hook
Dissent = 'Dis' (not) + 'Sent' (sense/feel). You don't 'sense' things the same way as the group. Feeling apart from the crowd.
When not to use
Don't use for a personal argument about what to eat for dinner.
Fun facts
- In the UK, 'Dissenters' was a specific term for Christians who separated from the Church of England in the 16th-18th centuries.
Explore more words
Also appears in
- Communication → Disagreements & Denials
- Leadership → Rebellion & Dissent
- Relationships → Peer Pressure & Conformity
- Arts & Literature → Censorship & Artistic Freedom
- Political Science & Governance → Civil Society & Grassroots Movements
- Religion & World Beliefs → Religious Reform & Secularization
- Media, Journalism & Publishing → Censorship & Freedom of Speech
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