Dissident
'dɪsɪdənt
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who actively opposes an established policy, system, or authority, especially a political one.
'dɪsɪdənt
A person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state.
The government viewed the protesters as dissidents and suppressed their demonstrations.
💡 Simply: Imagine a country with strict rules. If someone bravely disagrees with the rules and speaks out, they're a dissident! They're like the kid in class who says, "That's not fair!" when everyone else follows the rules.
👶 For kids: A dissident is someone who disagrees with the people in charge.
More Examples
The writer, a vocal dissident, was often critical of the government.
Imprisonment was a common fate for dissidents in that era.
How It's Used
"Many dissidents were imprisoned for speaking out against the regime."
"The movement was comprised of writers, artists, and other dissidents who fought for freedom of speech."
Characterized by opposition to official policy or authority.
'dɪsɪdənt
In opposition to an official policy, especially of an authoritarian regime.
The dissident movement faced severe repression.
💡 Simply: If a group has a different opinion and doesn't agree with the official rule, their actions or opinions can be described as dissident. Imagine a group of students who disagree with a new school rule about phones; their efforts to change it can be described as dissident activities.
👶 For kids: If you don't agree with the rules, you can be called dissident (like the rules your parents make) .
More Examples
The journalist published a dissident viewpoint on the current political situation.
The dissident literature of the era challenged the prevailing social norms.
How It's Used
"The dissident voices within the party were quickly silenced."
"The dissident press provided an alternative perspective on the events."
From Latin *dissidens*, present participle of *dissidere* 'to disagree, sit apart'. The word has been used since the 17th century, initially in a religious context to describe those who disagreed with the established church, and later broadened to include political dissent.
Historically used to describe those who differed in religious beliefs (e.g., religious dissidents), the term has expanded to encompass political opposition.
Memory tip
Think 'dis' (against) and 'side' (the established view). A dissident is someone who takes a different side.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: dissidere
Prefix: dis-