Descent and dissent are homophones that may just be a tad topical. It’s definitely worth knowing the difference.

Descent

• the act of moving downwards, falling or dropping; a decline
• the origin or background of a person (in terms of family or nationality)
• a sudden attack or unexpected visit (descent on)

Dissent

• the holding or expression of opinions that differ from those commonly or officially held
• to hold or express opinions that differ from those commonly or officially held

My tip: to dissent is usually to disagree.

Sources:

• Oxford Dictionaries Online
• Pixabay (image)