dissent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dissent' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a statement that expresses disagreement or opposition to a prevailing opinion. For example, "The politician expressed his dissent with the new proposed changes to the healthcare system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

· Secondary education was reduced in Turkmenistan by one year, prompting human rights groups to complain of a deliberate attempt to dumb down the population to prevent dissent.

The Guardian

Another sign of dissent could be detected in the last days of "really existing socialism", when protesting crowds sang official songs, including national anthems, to remind the powers of their unfulfilled promises.

The Guardian

The ruling National Front coalition has been weakened by dissent against Abdullah, who has seen his authority erode rapidly since the March vote.

The Guardian

He said he was joining the rebels because of the "brutal" crackdown on dissent that has claimed the lives of thousands of Syrians.

The Guardian

For all Bayern's gameness there was a hollowness to their second-half dominance and, as Müller was taken off, even a note of dissent in the crowd.

The Guardian - Sport

The world community responds predictably: diplomacy, sanctions, supporting the internal dissent in the terrorist "safe haven" countries, eventually ordering special military units to deploy and retaliate.

The Guardian - Opinion

In any case, the Tories were exhausted, corrupt and riven with dissent, just as in 1964.

The Guardian

Ahmed Maher, the activist whose 6 April movement helped drive anti-Mubarak dissent, is in jail along with the group's co-founders, Ahmed Douma and Mohamed Adel.

The Guardian

It has begun to form an elective dictatorship, in which the three major parties are united in their desire to create a security state; to wage unprovoked wars; to defend corporate power against democracy; to act as a doormat for the United States; to fight political dissent all the way to the bedroom and the birthing pool.

The Guardian - Opinion

Allahu Akbar!" Kadyrov, a former militant, has won huge concessions from Moscow to rule Chechnya as he pleases, essentially turning it into his own fiefdom, where dissent is not tolerated and elements of Islamic law are in place.

The Guardian

There were mutterings of dissent from her "Wets" but nothing to take the shine off an administration that even now is held up as one that heralded renewal and political renaissance in Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dissent", ensure the context clearly indicates what the disagreement is about. Specifying the object of dissent strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid confusing "dissent", which means disagreement, with "descent", which refers to a downward movement or lineage. Double-check your spelling to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "dissent" functions primarily as a noun, denoting disagreement or opposition, particularly in the context of prevailing opinions or established authority. As per Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. It can also function as a verb, meaning to disagree or withhold assent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dissent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily functioning as a noun to denote disagreement or opposition. Its communicative purpose revolves around expressing disagreement and challenging established norms. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "dissent" maintains a neutral tone. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the subject of the disagreement, and avoid confusing it with "descent". Numerous examples from Ludwig highlight its usage across various scenarios, making it a versatile and important word in expressing diverse viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagreement

Focuses on the lack of agreement, a more general term.

objection

Emphasizes the act of expressing disapproval or opposition.

opposition

Highlights a contrasting viewpoint or resistance to a proposal.

protest

Involves a more active and public expression of disagreement.

resistance

Suggests active opposition and refusal to comply.

nonconformity

Indicates a failure or refusal to adhere to accepted standards.

criticism

Implies expressing disapproval and pointing out flaws.

challenge

Focuses on questioning or disputing the validity of something.

disapproval

Expresses a negative judgment or lack of satisfaction.

contestation

Highlights the act of disputing or arguing about something.

FAQs

How is "dissent" typically used in a sentence?

"Dissent" is often used as a noun referring to the expression of disagreement. For example, "The government suppressed all forms of dissent." It can also be used as a verb, meaning to disagree, as in "Several members dissented from the committee's decision".

What words can I use instead of "dissent"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "disagreement", "objection", or "opposition". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a dissent" or simply "dissent"?

Both can be correct depending on the context. "Dissent" can be used as an uncountable noun to refer to disagreement in general. "A dissent" is typically used when referring to a specific instance of disagreement, such as a judge's dissenting opinion.

What's the difference between "dissent" and "disagreement"?

"Disagreement" is a general term for lacking consensus. "Dissent" implies a more active or vocal opposition to an established opinion or authority. Dissent often carries a stronger connotation of resistance or protest than a simple "disagreement".