Dissonance

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪs.ə.nəns/ (British English), /ˈdɪs.ə.nəns/ (American English)

Definitions

• A lack of harmony or agreement, particularly in music or opinions.
• In music, a combination of sounds that is unpleasant or unstable.
• A conflict between beliefs, values, or actions, often causing psychological discomfort (cognitive dissonance).

Usage Examples

• The dissonance in the orchestra’s performance created an unsettling effect.
• There was a deep dissonance between his words and actions.
• The concept of cognitive dissonance explains why people struggle with contradictory beliefs.

Etymology

From Latin dissonantia, meaning "discord," derived from dissonare ("to sound apart"), combining dis- ("apart") and sonare ("to sound").

Synonyms

• Discord
• Disharmony
• Conflict
• Incongruity
• Clash

Antonyms

• Harmony
• Consonance
• Agreement
• Accord

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈdɪs.ə.nəns/
• British English: /ˈdɪs.ə.nəns/
• Australian English: /ˈdɪs.ə.nəns/

Historical Usage

The term ‘dissonance’ has been used since the 16th century, primarily in music theory, before expanding into psychology and philosophy.

Cultural Nuances

In music, different cultures interpret dissonance uniquely. While Western classical music often resolves dissonance into consonance, some Eastern and avant-garde styles embrace it for emotional effect.

More Information

Dissonance is a fundamental concept in various disciplines. In psychology, Leon Festinger introduced the theory of cognitive dissonance, which explains the mental discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs. In literature and rhetoric, dissonance is a stylistic device used to create tension. Across cultures, the perception of dissonance varies, influencing art, philosophy, and music composition.