dissonance

USAGE SUMMARY

'dissonance' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to a lack of harmony or agreement between two or more elements, often with a connotation of displeasure or unease. For example, "The dissonance between the two stories created an unsettling effect on the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You are obviously free to come to your own views about Hunt's strange cognitive dissonance, where on the one hand there are the "strictest conditions" on the dredging, but on the other hand the "dredging area is not a notable... site" in the Reef.

The Guardian

At the end of another week of cognitive dissonance for the richest, loudest, most chasteningly brittle league in the world, there must be a few more interesting conversations to be had.

The Guardian - Sport

Try to live with it all, hounded by the dissonance of his contradictions?

The Guardian

There is a cognitive dissonance between now and then.

The Guardian - Tech

There is some serious cognitive dissonance going on here that is personally and professionally disturbing.

The Guardian

There is a dissonance between what she is saying and the way she is saying it, almost as though the only way she can get the sentences out is to be as calm and matter-of-fact as possible.

The Guardian

That dissonance between a newcomer's sense of themselves and the outside world's perception fascinated me as a young adult, and later as a journalist.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lynas lived the next few years in a state of weird, gigantic dissonance.

The Guardian

The report is striking for the extraordinary national cognitive dissonance it highlights.

The Guardian - Sport

A performance of Stravisnky's Concerto in D added exciting dissonance to the evening's sonic palette.

The Guardian

Colin McPhee's score Tabuh-Tabuhan transplants transplants south-east Asian music to Asiantern orchestra, creating a sound world that hovers between gamusic and 20to-century dissonance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "dissonance" to highlight the jarring contrast between conflicting ideas or feelings. This adds depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "dissonance" when a simple disagreement or difference of opinion is meant. "Dissonance" implies a deeper, more unsettling conflict or inconsistency. Use words like disagreement, difference, or variance for milder situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dissonance" is that of a noun, referring to a state of disharmony or conflict. It's commonly used to describe a lack of agreement between ideas, beliefs, or musical notes, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dissonance" is a versatile noun denoting a lack of harmony or agreement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, notably in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science. When writing, remember that "dissonance" implies a deeper conflict than simple disagreement. Alternatives include "discord" and "incongruity". The frequent use of "dissonance" in authoritative sources underscores its relevance in formal and academic discourse. Understanding the nuances of "dissonance" empowers writers to articulate complex relationships and conflicting elements with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discord

Focuses more directly on a lack of harmony, particularly in sound or opinions.

disharmony

Stresses a lack of harmonious agreement or balance.

conflict

Highlights a state of opposition or struggle between ideas or interests.

incongruity

Emphasizes a lack of alignment or compatibility between elements.

disagreement

Focuses on a lack of consensus or accord.

friction

Highlights tension or conflict arising from differing opinions or needs.

clash

Implies a direct and forceful conflict or disagreement.

contention

Suggests a state of heated argument or dispute.

variance

Emphasizes a difference or deviation from a standard or norm.

opposition

Highlights direct resistance or antagonism.

FAQs

How can I use "dissonance" in a sentence?

You can use "dissonance" to describe a lack of agreement or harmony, such as "There was a clear dissonance between the company's stated values and its actual practices".

What words can I use instead of "dissonance"?

Alternatives to "dissonance" include "discord", "conflict", or "incongruity", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "dissonance" to describe a musical sound?

Yes, "dissonance" can refer to a harsh or discordant combination of sounds in music, representing a lack of harmony.

What is the difference between "dissonance" and "disagreement"?

"Dissonance" suggests a deeper, more unsettling lack of harmony, often implying internal conflict or cognitive tension, whereas "disagreement" simply indicates a difference of opinion.