English Explanatory Dictionary

dissonance

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A harsh, discordant combination of sounds.
  2. Conflicting notes that are not overtones of the note or chord sounding.
  3. A state of disagreement or conflict.
  4. An instance of that state.

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪsənəns/ /ˈdɪsənɪns/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-dissonance.wav

Word forms

dissonance dissonances

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French dissonance, from Latin dissonantia; by surface analysis, dis- + son- + -ance.

Synonyms

cacophony discordance discord disharmony disjunction dispute argument argy-bargy altercation contention barney bawl out blue bobbery brawl clash conflict controversy debate difference ding-dong disagreement disputation dissonance disunion dustup face-off falling out feud fight flite hassle issue palaver quarrel quibble row spat squabble tangle threap tiff wrangle

Antonyms

consonance concordance concord

Related words

assonance sonic sonorous sound

Derived words

cognitive dissonance critical dissonance dissonancy dissonant lyrical dissonance
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