WordValedissonance
a combination of notes that sounds unresolved or harsh
In more detail
1. (noun) a lack of harmony or agreement; conflict between things
2. (noun) in music, a combination of sounds that is unpleasant or harsh to the ear
Examples
- 1. There is a dissonance between what the government says and what it actually does.
- 2. The composer deliberately used dissonance in the final movement to create tension.
How to use dissonance
Dissonance is used both literally in music to describe harsh or clashing sounds, and figuratively in psychology, philosophy, and social contexts to describe a mismatch or tension between ideas, values, or situations. It often implies an uncomfortable state that creates internal or interpersonal tension. The term is more formal and abstract than simple synonyms like 'conflict'.
Common phrases
- cognitive dissonance
- cultural dissonance
- dissonance between
- create dissonance
- resolve dissonance
Synonyms
discord · conflict · disagreement · incongruity · clash
Opposites
harmony · agreement · consonance
Word family
dissonant (adjective) · dissonantly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse dissonance with disrespect or offense; dissonance refers to incompatibility or lack of harmony, not rudeness or insult.
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