What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
protest
Example
The students organized a protest against the new tuition fee hike. [protest: noun]
Example
They protested the government's decision to cut funding for public schools. [protested: past tense verb]
dissent
Example
The senator expressed his dissent towards the proposed bill. [dissent: noun]
Example
She dissented from the majority opinion and wrote her own dissenting opinion. [dissented: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Protest is more commonly used than dissent in everyday language, especially in the context of public demonstrations or rallies. Dissent is more commonly used in formal or legal contexts, such as court cases or political debates.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between protest and dissent?
Protest is often associated with a more formal and organized approach, while dissent can be more informal and personal. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.