What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recusant
Example
The recusant refused to attend the mandatory church service. [recusant: noun]
Example
She was labeled a recusant for her refusal to follow the traditional gender roles. [recusant: adjective]
dissenter
Example
The dissenter spoke out against the government's new policy. [dissenter: noun]
Example
He was known for his dissenting views on climate change. [dissenting: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dissenter is more commonly used than recusant in everyday language. Dissenter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while recusant is less common and often limited to specific historical or religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recusant and dissenter?
Recusant is more formal and archaic, while dissenter is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.