Dissident is spelled with three syllables, pronounced /ˈdɪs.ɪ.dənt/. The first syllable is stressed, with the short "i" sound. The letter "ss" is used to represent the /s/ sound, rather than the single "s" used in words like 'assist'. The final syllable "-dent" is pronounced with a schwa vowel sound, represented by the symbol /ə/, and the letter "t". Dissident is a term often used to describe someone who opposes the government or established authority.
A dissident is an individual who opposes or speaks out against the established norms, policies, or authorities of a particular political, social, or cultural system. This term typically refers to someone who actively challenges the status quo and often holds divergent opinions or beliefs from the dominant group or ideology.
Dissidents typically engage in various forms of protest, criticism, or resistance in order to express their dissenting views. They may engage in nonviolent acts of civil disobedience, such as public demonstrations, rallies, and strikes, to draw attention to their cause. Dissidents may also disseminate information through alternative media outlets, social networks, or underground channels to challenge the mainstream narrative or spread awareness about perceived injustices.
The label of "dissident" is commonly associated with political activism, especially within authoritarian or repressive regimes where dissent is suppressed. Dissidents often face various forms of repression and persecution, including surveillance, censorship, imprisonment, or even violence, as they challenge the legitimacy and authority of those in power.
However, the term "dissident" is not limited to political dissent only. It can also be applied to individuals who challenge prevailing social or cultural norms. For instance, dissidents in the context of gender or sexuality may advocate for LGBTQ+ rights or challenge traditional gender roles.
Overall, dissidents play a crucial role in advocating for societal change, questioning established systems, and defending fundamental human rights and freedoms.
• Not agreeing; discordant.
• A dissenter; one who votes or gives his opinions about any point in opposition to others.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word dissident entered English in the mid-16th century from the Latin word dissidentem, which is the present participle of dissidere. The Latin term can be broken down further into dis- meaning apart, and sidere meaning to sit. Thus, it originally referred to someone who sits apart or disagrees with others. Ultimately, dissident shares its root with words like dissent, insidious, and subside.