consonance

USAGE SUMMARY

"consonance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing the repetition of similar sounds in a piece of writing or speech. For example, "The consonance of the poem created a soothing atmosphere for the reader."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The opening chord, known to music buffs as the "Tristan chord", shocked the 19th-century listeners who heard it first.In this section A spine-tingling and blissful infinity Spinning tales Seeing through fire Killer prose Travelling hopefully Right to write ReprintsNormally, in classical music, dissonance resolves into consonance; tension melts into resolution.

The Economist

In Europe and elsewhere, Israeli diplomats find themselves fending off uncomfortable accusations of vicarious jingoism.Alongside the consonance of their broader views, Mr Bush and Mr Sharon seem to have achieved remarkable harmony regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Economist

"Cognitive consonance between propaganda and people's self-feel does not withstand external shocks," says Mikhail Dmitriev, head of New Economic Growth, a think-tank.Over the past nine months opinion polls find that support for the presence of Russian troops in Ukraine have fallen from 74% to 23%.

The Economist

But to live in 2015 requires bringing ancient beliefs into consonance with modern values.

The Economist

Compare assonance; consonance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These combinations were regarded as dissonances and were to be confined to weak beats of the musical metre; they were to be resolved, for the most part, by stepwise movement downward to the adjacent consonance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the two tones are tuned to the same pitch, they are said to be in unison (ratio 1 1) and their consonance is absolute.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The notion of which specific chords and intervals constitute consonance and dissonance has altered violently from the beginning of harmony.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Zeami argued that the value of art is to be found in yūgen ("mystery and depth") and that the artist must follow the rule of sōō ("consonance"), according to which every object, gesture, and expression has to be appropriate to its context.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two concepts fundamental to the theory of tuning are those of frequency ratio and of consonance and dissonance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When two tones are sounded together the subjective reaction may be anything from one of perfect consonance to one of extreme dissonance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing musical compositions, use "consonance" to describe harmonious intervals and chords that create a sense of resolution or agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "consonance" merely as a synonym for "concordance" or sweet sound. While related, "consonance" specifically refers to a musical or literary concept involving the harmonious combination or repetition of sounds, not just general agreement or pleasantness.

Linguistic Context

The word "consonance" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the harmonious combination of sounds or ideas. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes the repetition of similar sounds in writing or speech, contributing to the overall aesthetic effect. In music theory, it denotes intervals or chords that sound stable and pleasing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consonance" is a noun that signifies harmony, agreement, or a pleasing combination of elements. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in contexts like music, literature, and general discussions of harmony, its register varies from formal to neutral based on the source. To effectively use "consonance", remember its specific application in describing harmonious sounds or ideas and avoid conflating it with broader notions of agreement. Alternatives such as "harmony", "agreement", and "accord" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmony

This alternative emphasizes a pleasing arrangement or agreement of elements, particularly in music or relationships.

agreement

This term highlights the state of being in accord or having the same opinion or feeling.

accord

This suggests a formal agreement or harmony between people or groups.

compatibility

This focuses on the ability of things to exist or work together without conflict.

correspondence

This emphasizes a similarity or analogy between two things.

concordance

This suggests agreement or harmony, especially in religious contexts.

resonance

This implies a deeper connection or emotional agreement.

unison

This indicates perfect agreement or simultaneous performance.

affinity

This highlights a natural liking or connection between things.

congruence

This term indicates agreement or harmony because things are similar or compatible.

FAQs

How is "consonance" used in music theory?

In music theory, "consonance" refers to intervals or chords that sound stable and harmonious, often providing a sense of resolution after dissonance. It's a fundamental concept in understanding harmonic progression.

What is the difference between "consonance" and dissonance?

"Consonance" describes harmonious and stable sounds, while dissonance refers to sounds that create tension or instability. Dissonance often resolves into consonance in music.

Can "consonance" be used outside of music and literature?

Yes, "consonance" can be used more broadly to describe agreement, harmony, or compatibility in various contexts, such as ideas or relationships, although its primary usage remains in music and literary analysis.

What are some words similar to "consonance"?

Alternatives to "consonance" include "harmony", "agreement", or "accord", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.