dissenting vote

dissenting vote

The committee recorded one dissenting vote.

Definition
  1. Noun (countable):
    • A vote cast in opposition to a majority or prevailing opinion: A "dissenting vote" is a formal expression of disagreement with a decision, proposal, or motion, typically recorded in a voting process such as in a legislature, committee, or organization.
    • A symbolic act of protest: It may represent a principled stand against a policy or action, even if the outcome is not changed.
Usage Examples
  • (A single member voted against the budget.)
  • (The record shows she opposed the decision.)
  • (No one voted against it; all were in agreement.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to cast a dissenting vote": To formally register opposition.
    • The senator cast a dissenting vote on the bill, citing ethical concerns. (He voted against the bill.)
  • "to record a dissenting vote": To document disagreement in an official record.
    • The board member recorded a dissenting vote to express her disagreement with the policy change. (She made her opposition official.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Dissenting (adj): expressing disagreement or opposition.
    • The dissenting opinion was published alongside the majority decision. (The opposing view was made public.)
  • Dissent (n/verb): (noun) disagreement with a majority view; (verb) to hold or express such disagreement.
    • There was strong dissent from the younger members. (Many disagreed.)
    • Several delegates dissented from the chairman's proposal. (They voiced opposition.)
  • Dissenter (n): a person who dissents.
    • The lone dissenter refused to sign the final report. (The person who disagreed.)
Synonyms
  • Negative vote: a vote against a proposal.
  • Opposing vote: a vote that supports the contrary side.
  • No vote: a vote registering a negative response.
  • Dissenting ballot: a formal ballot cast in opposition.
Related Idioms
  • "to be in the minority": to hold a dissenting position in a group.
    • On that issue, she was in the minority with her dissenting vote. (She was one of the few who opposed.)
  • "to go against the grain": to act contrary to the prevailing trend.
    • His dissenting vote went against the grain of the committee's usual consensus. (His opposition was unusual.)