Dissenter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
dissenter
[dษชหsษntษr ]
Definitions
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.
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| nonconformist |
Refers to someone who does not follow accepted customs, norms, or conventions, often used in a cultural or social context.
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| heretic |
Applied when someone holds beliefs that are strongly at odds with established religious doctrines. It often has a negative connotation.
|
| rebel |
Describes someone who resists or fights against authority, control, or tradition, and can be used in both social and political contexts.
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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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
|
| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The dissenter was persecuted for his religious beliefs.
- She was labeled a dissenter for challenging the traditional views of the community.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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.
Origin of 'dissenter'
The word 'dissenter' originated in the 16th century and comes from the Latin word 'dissenter' meaning 'to differ'. Dissenters have played a significant role in history by challenging established beliefs and advocating for change. They have often faced persecution for their nonconformity, but their actions have contributed to the evolution of societies and the protection of individual rights.
See also: dissenters, dissenting, dissident.