Which of the following options is the closest in meaning to the word underlined in the sentence below?
In a democracy, everybody has the freedom to disagree with the government.
A. Dissent B. Descent C. Decent D. Decadent
GATE 2014 · General Aptitude · Synonyms · medium
Answer: A. Dissent
Identify the context of 'disagree': The sentence is about a fundamental right in democracy — the freedom to hold an opinion contrary to the government's position.
Match meaning to options: Dissent = disagree (formal, especially political). Descent = going down or lineage. Decent = acceptable, proper. Decadent = morally corrupt.
Confirm answer: 'Freedom to dissent with the government' = 'freedom to disagree with the government' — perfect semantic equivalence.