Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Disagreeing, especially with a majority: Holding or expressing opinions that are at variance with those that are officially or commonly held.
   • (Historical, of Catholics) refusing to attend services of the Church of England: Describing those who, on grounds of religious conscience, dissented from the established church.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The proposal passed, but there was one dissentient voice on the committee.
  • Historically, dissentient Catholics faced legal penalties for their refusal to conform.

Advanced Usage

• "without a dissentient voice": Used to indicate complete, unanimous agreement where no one expresses opposition.
  • The motion was carried without a dissentient voice.

Variants and Related Words

• Dissent (verb/noun): To hold or express a different opinion; the expression of such an opinion.
  • Two jurors dissented from the guilty verdict.
• Dissenter (noun): A person who dissents, especially from an established church.
• Dissenting (adjective): Characterized by or expressing dissent.
  • The judge wrote a dissenting opinion.

Synonyms

• Dissenting
• Nonconformist
• Opposing
• Objecting

Antonyms

• Assenting
• Conforming
• Agreeing
• Consenting

Notes on Meaning

The word dissentient is formal and often used in contexts involving formal groups, committees, or historical religious groups. It emphasizes active disagreement with a majority or official position.

Adjective

1. disagreeing, especially with a majority
2. (of Catholics) refusing to attend services of the Church of England