dissent
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “dissent” mean?
adjective.the expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held.
SAT Usage
dissent often appears in contexts related to political discourse, social movements, or debates over ideologies. It emphasizes a principled disagreement or opposition to prevailing views, distinguishing it from mere disagreement by suggesting a deeper, often moral or ethical stance against majority opinions.
Common Confusions
Dissent implies a principled disagreement with prevailing views, while disagreement usually suggests a more general or casual difference of opinion without the same ethical or moral weight.
Example Sentences
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One judge filed a written dissent from the majority ruling.
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The board meeting was filled with dissent, as several members voiced their disagreement with the proposed changes to the policy.
Word Parts: How to Remember “dissent”
Break “dissent” into its parts: di- (apart, away) + -sens- (feel, perceive). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
di-apart, away (Latin) -
Root:
-sens-feel, perceive (Latin)