Dissenter: meaning, definitions and examples

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dissenter

[dɪˈsɛntər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious

A person who dissents from an established church, political party, or majority opinion.

Synonyms

heretic, nonconformist, rebel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dissenter	Used when someone disagrees with official or majority opinion, often in a context of political, social, or corporate decisions. As a dissenter, Jane often questioned the company's policies The court had one dissenter who opposed the new law
nonconformist	Refers to someone who does not follow accepted customs, norms, or conventions, often used in a cultural or social context. As a nonconformist, Alex chose an unconventional lifestyle The artist was known as a nonconformist, always pushing boundaries
heretic	Applied when someone holds beliefs that are strongly at odds with established religious doctrines. It often has a negative connotation. During the Inquisition, many were labeled heretics for their beliefs Galileo was considered a heretic for his views on the solar system
rebel	Describes someone who resists or fights against authority, control, or tradition, and can be used in both social and political contexts. The rebel forces took control of the city As a teenager, she was always a rebel, challenging her parents' rules

Examples of usage

He was a dissenter who refused to conform to the beliefs of the church.
The dissenter was vocal in his opposition to the government's policies.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal

A person who refuses to accept the doctrines of an established or orthodox church.

Synonyms

heretic, nonconformist, rebel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dissenter	Used to describe someone who disagrees with an accepted opinion or belief, especially in politics or religion. It's often neutral but can have a slight negative connotation depending on the context. The dissenter voiced his objections during the council meeting. She was labeled a dissenter for challenging the traditional practices of the organization.
heretic	Typically used in religious contexts to describe someone with beliefs that are in strong opposition to the established teachings of their church. It often carries a negative connotation. The church declared him a heretic and excommunicated him. In those times, being labeled a heretic could lead to severe punishment.
nonconformist	Describes someone who does not conform to established customs, attitudes, or ideas. It can be used in various contexts, including social, cultural, or political, and is generally neutral or positive. She was a nonconformist who refused to follow fashion trends. As a nonconformist, he always questioned traditional values.
rebel	Describes someone who actively resists authority, control, or tradition. Often used in political or social contexts and can carry both positive and negative connotations depending on the viewpoint. The rebel led a group of protesters against the new policy. Teenagers sometimes go through a phase where they act like rebels against their parents.

Examples of usage

The dissenter was persecuted for his religious beliefs.
She was labeled a dissenter for challenging the traditional views of the community.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term originated from the Latin word 'dissentire', meaning 'to feel differently'.
In the 16th century, it was commonly used to describe those who separated from the Church of England.
Dissenters played a key role in the English Civil War, advocating for changes in religious and political practices.

Politics

Dissenters have historically influenced social change by standing up against oppressive regimes.
Civil disobedience, often performed by dissenters, has led to significant reforms, such as the civil rights movement in the U.S.
Modern dissenters can be found in various movements, from environmental activism to advocates for social justice.

Literature

Dissenter characters often drive narratives, challenging authority in classic literature from '1984' to 'The Handmaid's Tale'.
Many famous authors, such as Mark Twain and Henry David Thoreau, were known for their dissenting views on society and government.
The theme of dissent is prevalent in poetry and novels, often highlighting the struggle against conformity.

Science

Scientific dissenters, like Galileo and Darwin, faced significant opposition but ultimately advanced human understanding.
In contemporary science, dissent is vital to the scientific method, encouraging critical thinking and debate.
Scientists who dissent from mainstream theories often provoke further research and exploration.

Cultural Impact

Dissenting voices in music and art often reflect societal issues and can lead to movements like punk or hip-hop.
Cultural dissidents have challenged societal norms, influencing fashion, art, and philosophy through their non-conformity.
Festivals and movements often emerge from dissenting perspectives, celebrating diversity and inclusion.

Translations

Translations of the word "dissenter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dissidente

🇮🇳 असंतुष्ट

🇩🇪 Dissident

🇮🇩 pembangkang

🇺🇦 дисидент

🇵🇱 dysydent

🇯🇵 異議者（いぎしゃ）

🇫🇷 dissident

🇪🇸 disidente

🇹🇷 muhalif

🇰🇷 반체제 인사

🇸🇦 مخالف

🇨🇿 disident

🇸🇰 disident

🇨🇳 异议者

🇸🇮 disident

🇮🇸 andófsmaður

🇰🇿 диссидент

🇬🇪 დისიდენტი

🇦🇿 dissident

🇲🇽 disidente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,646, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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29643 collie
29644 cordless
29645 scission
29646 dissenter
29647 mystifying
29648 scones
29649 moulder
...