noun

dissonance

dissonance, discord, disagreement

The composer used dissonance to create tension.

The composer used dissonance to create tension.

There is a dissonance between his words and actions.

There is a dissonance between his words and actions.

Cognitive dissonance can be very uncomfortable.

Cognitive dissonance can be very uncomfortable.

((dissonance between sth. and sth.)) a lack of agreement between (sth.) and (sth.) There is a dissonance between his words and actions.

Synonyms: discord, disagreement; Antonyms: harmony, consonance

From Latin 'dissonare' (to disagree in sound), from 'dis-' (apart, not) + 'sonare' (to sound).

Think of 'dis-sound' – a sound that is off or doesn't fit. This extends to ideas or actions that don't fit together.

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