Inharmonious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inharmonious

[หŒษชnหŒhษ‘หrหˆmoสŠniษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

music

Not harmonious; discordant. Lacking harmony or agreement.

Synonyms

clashing, discordant, dissonant.

Examples of usage

  • The inharmonious notes clashed together, creating a cacophony of sound.
  • The inharmonious combination of instruments made the music difficult to listen to.
Context #2 | Adjective

relationships

Characterized by a lack of harmony or cooperation.

Synonyms

discordant, disharmonious, uncooperative.

Examples of usage

  • The inharmonious relationship between the two countries led to tension and conflict.
  • Their inharmonious interactions at work made for a stressful environment.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Music

  • In music theory, an inharmonious sound is often produced by notes that are less justly tuned, creating dissonance.
  • Many contemporary composers experiment with inharmonious sounds to evoke feelings of chaos or tension.

Literature

  • In literature, inharmonious elements can be used symbolically to reflect internal conflict or societal discord.
  • Writers like Virginia Woolf have utilized inharmonious language to depict charactersโ€™ inner turmoil and emotional struggles.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that exposure to inharmonious sounds can lead to increased stress levels and discomfort.
  • Conversely, inharmonious environments can serve as a metaphor for psychological disarray.

Art

  • In visual art, inharmonious colors can be intentionally used to provoke strong feelings or portray unsettling subjects.
  • Artists like Pablo Picasso employed inharmonious styles to challenge traditional views and express complex emotions.

Origin of 'inharmonious'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'harmonia' which means agreement or unity in sound.
  • It was introduced in the English language in the early 18th century, retaining that same meaning of disharmony.

The word 'inharmonious' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the word 'harmonious', which comes from the Latin 'harmonia' and the Greek 'harmonia' meaning 'agreement, concord of sounds'. The concept of harmony has been integral to music and relationships throughout history, with inharmonious elements often seen as disruptive or discordant.


See also: disharmony, harmoniously.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,822 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.