dissenting voice

USAGE SUMMARY

"dissenting voice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who disagrees with the majority opinion or is challenging an accepted belief, idea, or policy. For example, "When the proposal was put up for a vote, there was a dissenting voice in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A dissenting voice.

The Guardian - Music

There was, however, a dissenting voice.

The New York Times

And there was nary a dissenting voice.

The New Yorker

Masha Gessen on the writer's dissenting voice.

The New Yorker

However, there was one dissenting voice: Sprewell.

The New York Times - Sports

There was only one dissenting voice.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There was, however, one dissenting voice in the mix.

Independent

It's a pleasure to a hear a dissenting voice.

The Guardian

With the country's leftist opposition mired in feuding, some secular Turks welcome this dissenting voice.

The Economist

In Italy, she said, the News Corporation represents "the dissenting voice, the voice of freedom".

The New York Times

But, the power differential and the ring-fencing of any dissenting voice makes constructive criticism impossible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dissenting voice" to specifically highlight the act of voicing disagreement, especially when the expression of that disagreement is significant or noteworthy.

Common error

While "dissenting voice" is a valid phrase, avoid using it in very informal or casual conversations where simpler terms like "disagreement" or "different opinion" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dissenting voice" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It signifies the act of expressing disagreement or opposition. Ludwig examples show it appearing in various contexts, emphasizing its role in debates and discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dissenting voice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to highlight the expression of disagreement or opposition, often in contexts where a consensus exists or is expected. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to professional registers and should be used judiciously in very informal settings. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its relevance in public discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposing viewpoint

Focuses on the viewpoint rather than the act of voicing dissent.

contrary opinion

Highlights the opposing nature of the opinion.

minority perspective

Emphasizes that the view is held by a smaller group.

alternative stance

Suggests a different position or attitude.

deviating opinion

Highlights the departure from the norm or accepted view.

isolated objection

Implies a singular or rare instance of disagreement.

conflicting perspective

Emphasizes the clash between different views.

unorthodox view

Highlights the unconventional or non-traditional aspect of the opinion.

divergent position

Focuses on the point where opinions separate or differ.

non-conforming idea

Highlights resistance to accepted norms or standards.

FAQs

How can I use "dissenting voice" in a sentence?

You can use "dissenting voice" to indicate someone expressing disagreement or opposition, as in, "Despite the general consensus, there was a "dissenting voice" in the meeting."

What's a more formal alternative to "dissenting voice"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "contrary opinion" or "opposing viewpoint" which maintain a similar meaning but with a more elevated register.

When is it appropriate to use "dissenting voice" instead of "disagreement"?

"Dissenting voice" is best used when you want to emphasize the act of speaking out against something, rather than simply the existence of a disagreement. It highlights the expression of a differing opinion.

Is "dissenting voice" always negative?

Not necessarily. While it indicates opposition, a "dissenting voice" can be valuable for providing alternative perspectives and challenging assumptions, leading to more informed decisions. It's about the value of the perspective, not inherently negative.