Dissent
/dɪˈsɛnt/
nounverbB2
Definition
Dissent is when a person or group does not agree with an idea, opinion, or decision that most others accept. As a noun, it means the disagreement itself; as a verb, it means to express or show that disagreement. It often relates to opinions about politics, laws, or important choices.
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See It in Action
Noun: The act or state of disagreeing with a decision or opinion
- •There was clear dissent among the team about the new policy.
- •The judge expressed dissent in the court decision.
- •Public dissent can lead to changes in government.
Verb: To express disagreement or refuse to accept an opinion or decision
- •Some members dissented from the majority vote.
- •She dissented strongly against the proposed law.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "dissent" like "disagree," but usually in a stronger or more formal way, especially about important matters.
- ✓Picture a group meeting where everyone says "yes," but one person raises their hand and says "no" or a different idea.
- ✓It's the feeling when you think something is wrong or unfair, and you want to say so even if others do not agree.
- ✓Sounds like "dis-SENT" → imagine someone sending a different message from the group, sending their own opinion that is not the same.
- ✓Think of famous people in history who spoke against rules or governments, like activists or protesters, showing dissent.
- ✓NOT like "agree" (same opinion); dissent means having a different or opposite opinion.
- ✓NOT like "argue" (which can be loud or angry); dissent can be calm and respectful disagreement.
- ✓NOT like "conflict" (which can be physical or personal); dissent focuses on ideas and opinions.
Try Other Words
- •Disagree: to have a different opinion (Use in everyday, simple conversations)
- •Object: to express opposition (Use when someone shows formal or strong refusal)
- •Protest: to show strong disagreement, often publicly (Use when dissent is active and visible)
- •Oppose: to be against something (Use when disagreement is firm or active)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "dis-" (not, opposite) + root "sent" (from Latin "sentire," meaning to feel or think)
- •Etymology: From Latin "dissentire," meaning to feel differently or disagree
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century to mean disagreement, especially in law and religion
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in politics, law, and formal discussions to describe disagreement or refusal to accept an idea or decision
Reflect & Connect
•When is it important to express dissent, even if others disagree with you?
•How can showing dissent help or hurt a group or community?
Fill in the blanks
1.The committee showed dissent because they ___ with the new rules proposed by the leader.
2.Expressing dissent can be difficult when you feel ___ to the group or authority.
3.Unlike simple disagreement, dissent often happens in ___ or serious situations like courts or governments.
4.When a judge writes a dissenting opinion, they ___ the majority decision but respect the process.
5.People who dissent sometimes organize ___ to share their different ideas publicly.
6.Dissent is not the same as conflict because it focuses on ___, not personal fights.
7.Members who dissent usually explain their reasons clearly instead of just ___ silently.