dissension

USAGE SUMMARY

'dissension' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate disagreement or a lack of unity. For example: "The dissension between the two politicians was evident during the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The MDC has also accused the police of a round-the-clock heavy deployment and surveillance by armed police at its Harvest House headquarters in Harare, describing it as "a clear sign of provocation intended to intimidate, instil fear and subdue any dissension".

The Guardian

Within months, the LPF was collapsing in incompetence and dissension, and by 2008 it had disappeared.

The Economist

In any event, they have already managed to sow dissension among the ranks of their tormentors.

The Economist

Widespread lay-offs from state-owned enterprises have already caused dissension there.

The Economist

In a country where whom you know still matters at least as much as what you know, that is helping Turkey's disadvantaged east feel more involved in the democratic process.The east also happens to be home to many millions of Kurds, whose alienation from the mainstream of Ataturk's republic has been a cause of dissension and violence almost since the republic was born.

The Economist

Mr Oleksy has grovelled in vain to his former colleagues, complaining that the tapes were doctored in the hope of sowing dissension on the left and of scuppering Mr Kwasniewski's return to domestic politics.Recorded by Mr Gudzowaty's security staff, the tapes seem to have reached the media via the justice ministry and the security services.

The Economist

From the other side, he also faces potential dissension in his own camp.

The Economist

Yaroslav once warned his children that "if you dwell in envy and dissension, quarrelling with one another, then you will perish yourselves and bring to ruin the land of your ancestors".

The Economist

The common market to which all countries in the region bar Panama belong has been riven by dissension since its founding in 1963.

The Economist

In 1989 the looming succession to Deng Xiaoping was fought out in part on the streets, before power passed to a generation of largely Soviet-trained technocrats.Perhaps because Deng had endorsed them long in advance, the first Cultural Revolution generation that took over in 2002 did so without open dissension.

The Economist

Some military analysts also think that the zone is slowly turning the FARC into a sedentary force, marked by internal dissension and corruption.With public confidence in the "peace process" vanishing, in early February Mr Pastrana made another of the bold theatrical gestures that are his chief political virtue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dissension" when you want to emphasize strong disagreement or conflict within a group or organization. It implies a more significant level of discord than a simple disagreement.

Common error

While both words relate to disagreement, "dissension" refers to discord or strife arising from conflicting opinions, whereas "dissent" simply means holding or expressing opinions that are at variance with those commonly or officially held. Use "dissension" when referring to the outcome of disagreement, not the expression of it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dissension" is as a noun. It refers to a state of disagreement or discord, often within a group. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in describing conflicts and divisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dissension" is a noun that signifies strong disagreement and discord. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and encyclopedia contexts. It's important to differentiate it from "dissent", which refers to the expression of disagreement rather than the resulting conflict. To avoid confusion, use "dissension" when you want to describe or highlight the existence of conflict, disagreement, or disunity within a group or organization. The analysis showed that the word is suitable for academic and formal writing. Consider using synonyms such as "disagreement" or "discord" to adjust the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagreement

Focuses on a simple lack of consensus without necessarily implying strong conflict.

discord

Emphasizes a lack of harmony and a state of disagreement.

conflict

Highlights active opposition or struggle between parties.

strife

Suggests bitter and sometimes violent conflict.

contention

Indicates a point or subject of disagreement or dispute.

quarrel

Describes a heated argument or disagreement, often personal.

division

Implies a separation or split due to differing opinions or interests.

friction

Suggests tension or animosity arising from differing viewpoints.

disharmony

Focuses on the lack of agreement or peaceful coexistence.

controversy

Highlights public disagreement or debate surrounding an issue.

FAQs

How is "dissension" typically used in a sentence?

"Dissension" is often used to describe conflict or disagreement within a group. For instance, "The project was delayed due to internal dissension".

What are some synonyms for "dissension"?

Alternatives for "dissension" include "disagreement", "discord", "strife", and "conflict". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "dissension" and "dissent"?

"Dissension" refers to the strife and discord that arises from disagreement. "Dissent", on the other hand, refers to the act of disagreeing or holding a different opinion. Thus, dissent can lead to dissension.

Is "dissension" a formal word?

Yes, "dissension" is a formal word. It is appropriate for use in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.