dissidence
|dis-si-dence|
/ˈdɪsɪdəns/
standing apart in opinion
Etymology
'dissidence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'dissidentia', where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'sedēre' (or the participial stem 'sid-') meant 'to sit'.
'dissidence' passed into English via Medieval Latin 'dissidentia' (and through Old French/Modern French influence) and became the modern English word 'dissidence'.
Initially it referred to 'sitting apart' or separation (literal and figurative); over time it came to mean 'disagreement' or 'refusal to conform', especially in political or institutional contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or state of disagreeing or withholding assent; dissent, especially from an established church, political party, or government.
Her dissidence within the party became increasingly public during the debates.
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Noun 2
a position or tendency of refusing to conform to the policies or practices of an organization or authority; internal opposition or split.
The government's handling of the crisis intensified dissidence among its members.
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Last updated: 2026/01/01 03:47