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Dissonance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissonance

[หˆdษชsษ™nษ™ns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in music

A tension or clash resulting from the combination of two or more disharmonious sounds. Dissonance is often resolved by moving to a more harmonious chord.

Synonyms

clash, discord, disharmony.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissonance

Use this in formal or technical contexts, particularly in music or psychology, to describe a lack of harmony or agreement. It often refers to a combination of tones that sounds unstable or causes tension.

  • The dissonance in the music created a sense of unease.
  • Cognitive dissonance occurs when one's beliefs are in conflict with their actions.
discord

Discord is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, generally used to describe a lack of agreement or harmony between people, often leading to conflict. It can also be used in a musical context similarly to dissonance.

  • There was much discord among the team members over the project direction.
  • The discordant notes added tension to the composition.
clash

This word is more common in casual or everyday language, describing a conflict or disagreement, often between people, ideas, or colors. It implies a more active and sometimes violent confrontation.

  • The two politicians clashed during the debate.
  • The bright colors of the room's decor clashed with each other.
disharmony

This word is often used in a more formal setting to describe a lack of harmony or agreement in a broader sense, such as in relationships, groups, or among sounds. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • The disharmony in the family was palpable during the holidays.
  • The disharmony of the choir's performance was evident.

Examples of usage

  • The dissonance in the chord created a sense of unease.
  • The composer used dissonance to create a sense of tension in the music.
Context #2 | Noun

in psychology

A lack of harmony or consistency between thoughts, beliefs, or actions, leading to feelings of discomfort or conflict.

Synonyms

conflict, discomfort, inconsistency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissonance

Used mainly in music to describe a lack of harmony, but can also describe a situation where things are not in agreement, especially ideas or beliefs.

  • The dissonance between their opinions made the discussion difficult
  • The song uses dissonance to create a feeling of tension
inconsistency

Refers to things that do not match up or are not in line with each other, often used for data, behavior, or statements.

  • There was an inconsistency in his story that made us question his honesty
  • The inconsistency in the experiment's results puzzled the scientists
conflict

Applies to situations where there is a clash of interests or ideas, often involving people or groups.

  • The conflict between the two countries lasted for years
  • There was a conflict in their schedules, so they couldn't meet
discomfort

Describes a feeling of physical or emotional unease. It is often used in social situations or when describing physical pain.

  • She felt discomfort during the long flight
  • His remarks caused discomfort among the audience

Examples of usage

  • The dissonance between his actions and his beliefs troubled him deeply.
  • She experienced cognitive dissonance when faced with conflicting information.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Leon Festinger introduced 'cognitive dissonance' theory, explaining how we feel uncomfortable when holding conflicting beliefs.
  • In everyday life, feeling dissonance may lead individuals to change their beliefs to restore harmony.
  • Cognitive dissonance often motivates people to justify their decisions or behavior to reduce uncomfortable feelings.

Music

  • In music, dissonance refers to combinations of notes that clash, creating tension that resolves into harmony.
  • Composers like Igor Stravinsky and Arnold Schoenberg utilized dissonance to evoke emotional responses in their works.
  • Jazz and contemporary genres often embrace dissonance to explore complex soundscapes and express modern themes.

Literature

  • Dissonance often appears in literature to indicate character conflict or thematic tension.
  • Authors use dissonance in plot developments, showing the struggle between characters' desires and societal expectations.
  • The dissonance between expectation and reality often serves to drive a narrative forward and engage readers.

Culture

  • In visual arts, dissonance can be used through contrasting colors or shapes to create striking works.
  • Cultural dissonance refers to the discomfort experienced when encountering ideas or practices that differ greatly from oneโ€™s own.
  • Dissonance in societal contexts can lead to movements for change as people strive for resolution between differing views.

Origin of 'dissonance'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'dissonantia', meaning 'discord' or 'disagreement'.
  • The prefix 'dis-' denotes a negative or opposite state, while 'sonare' means 'to sound'.
  • The concept has been around since the 16th century, referring originally to music.

The word 'dissonance' originated from the Latin word 'dissonantia', which means disagreement or discord. It has been used in the context of music since the 15th century to describe the clash of tones. In psychology, the term was introduced by Leon Festinger in the 1950s to explain the discomfort caused by conflicting beliefs or actions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,512, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.