dissent
/dɪˈsent/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈsent/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈsent/ (ame, mw)
dissent — noun
1. A situation where someone openly states a view that goes against what most peopl
A situation where someone openly states a view that goes against what most people accept or what those in power say — for instance, arguing against a new government rule or a well-known belief.
The university board was surprised by the level of student dissent when the new fee plan was announced.
dissent + about/over [a proposed change]
Imran's proposal to shorten the school day faced strong dissent from the teaching staff.
face strong dissent from [group]
In many countries, citizens can express political dissent through peaceful marches and online articles.
Aarav's speech at the town hall meeting offered a rare voice of dissent in an otherwise supportive crowd.
- opposition
broader term that can include action as well as opinion; 'opposition' may be more active
- disagreement
more general and less intense than 'dissent'; used for any difference of opinion
- objection
focuses on a specific point of opposition rather than a general stance
文法句型
dissent + about/over [topic]
dissent + among [group]
dissent + from [view]
用法筆記
Unlike ordinary disagreement, dissent usually implies publicly opposing an established rule, plan, or authority rather than a casual difference of opinion between individuals.
常見錯誤
2. In soccer, rugby, and similar sports, showing that you disagree with a referee's
In soccer, rugby, and similar sports, showing that you disagree with a referee's decision is treated as breaking the rules and can result in a warning or a penalty.
The striker was given a yellow card for dissent after arguing with the referee about the penalty call.
sports: dissent results in a yellow card
During the match, the coach received a warning for dissent when he shouted at the linesman.
The rugby player was sent off the field for persistent dissent towards the match officials.
The tennis player was fined for dissent after shouting at the umpire during the final set.
文法句型
dissent as a rule violation in sports
用法筆記
This sense is specific to the rules of particular sports. In football (soccer), dissent is punishable by a yellow card; in rugby, it may result in a penalty or a sending-off.
3. In a court of law, a formal document in which a judge sets out reasons for reach
In a court of law, a formal document in which a judge sets out reasons for reaching a different conclusion from their fellow judges on the same case.
Judge Amira wrote a strong dissent arguing that the lower court's ruling ignored key evidence.
legal: written dissent filed by a judge
The Supreme Court decision was five votes to four, and Justice Christopher filed a thirty-page dissent.
file a dissent
Law students often study famous dissents from past cases to understand different interpretations of the constitution.
In a dissent joined by two other justices, Judge Adaeze argued that the new law violated free speech protections.
- dissenting opinion
the full formal term for a judge's written dissent
- minority opinion
can refer to the opinion of the judges who disagreed, not just one judge
- majority opinion
the official ruling of the court agreed to by most judges
文法句型
file/enter/write a dissent
dissent + from [majority opinion]
常見錯誤
dissent — verb
1. To express or hold a different opinion from other people about a particular matt
To express or hold a different opinion from other people about a particular matter, especially when most people hold one view and you hold another.
Mizuki dissented from the rest of the team when they voted to cut the community outreach programme.
dissent from [group] + when voting
Several board members dissented, arguing that the merger would hurt employees and customers alike.
When the committee asked if the budget was fair, only one member dissented from the majority view.
Trang dissented from the report's conclusions, pointing out several errors in the data analysis.
文法句型
dissent + from [person/group/opinion]
用法筆記
This verb is noticeably more formal than 'disagree'. You would typically use it in professional, political, or academic settings rather than in everyday conversation about personal preferences.