descent, decent and dissent - the difference
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Descent means going downwards, a downward slope, or ancestry. Decent means civilized, good or adequate. Dissent means to argue or a difference of opinion. |
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There is often confusion over the words descent, decent, and dissent. DescentThe noun descent has a few meanings:
DecentThe adjective decent means civilized, good or adequate. (It rhymes with recent.)Examples:  Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking
citizens.  That's a
decent plate of food.
DissentDissent can be a noun meaning difference of opinion or a verb meaning to disagree.Examples: The referee
has given him a red card for dissent. Acceptance of dissent is the fundamental requirement of a free
society. I will
dissent if you continue with this course of action. (Dissent is a verb in this example.) |
DECENT RHYMES WITH RECENT
Native English speakers always pronounce these words correctly. Confusion only occurs in writing. Therefore, if you remember that decent rhymes with recent (which is logical considering they share the same last five letters), then you will succeed in differentiating between decent and descent. DISS = DISSENT The street word diss (deriving from disrespect) has connotations of disagreement and arguing. Therefore, the first four letters of dissent can remind you of its meaning. |
See also:
What are adjectives?
What are nouns?
What are verbs?
List of easily confused words