What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dissent
Example
The senator voiced her dissent over the proposed bill. [dissent: noun]
Example
Some members of the committee dissented from the majority opinion. [dissented: verb]
dispute
Example
The two companies are in a legal dispute over patent infringement. [dispute: noun]
Example
They disputed the accuracy of the report's findings. [disputed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dispute is more commonly used than dissent in everyday language. Dispute is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dissent is less common and often used in specific contexts such as politics or law.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dissent and dispute?
Dispute is typically associated with a formal tone, especially in legal or business contexts, while dissent can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.