Dissentions

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Disagreements or conflicts among a group often leading to discord or division
2. Disputes or disagreements that create division or strife within a community or organization
3. The state of being in disagreement that can result in contention or discord among individuals or factions

Etymology: "Dissentions" is the plural of "dissention," a noun for disagreement or discord, and the plural form simply counts separate disputes or episodes of conflict. The singular and plural forms are both in use, so the plural names several instances of the same kind of strife rather than a different concept. The underlying word traces back to the Latin verb "dissentire," meaning to disagree or feel differently, built from "dis-" (apart, away) and "sentire" (to feel or think). That sense of thinking or feeling apart from others is still present in the noun, which describes people whose opinions pull in different directions. The plural is most often used for quarrels that split a group, such as a family, congregation, or organization, where disagreement hardens into lasting division.

Synonyms: disputes, conflicts, disagreements, discords, strife

Antonyms: harmony, agreement, concord, unity, accord