harmonize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'harmonize' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of bringing different elements or parts into a harmonious or agreeable relationship. For example: The singers harmonized their voices perfectly for a beautiful performance.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the long run he was not able to harmonize the status of the Germans the dominant group within the western part of the empire with the claims of the other nationalities subjected to Habsburg rule, particularly the Czechs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their primary aim was to harmonize Daodejing and Zhuangzi with their own conception of a practical life devoted to affairs of state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jean Berain, Charles Cressent, Robert de Cotte, and the painter Antoine Watteau, whose pictures were painted on the panelled salon walls to harmonize with the gentle spirit of the period, are among the important names connected with the new delicacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jānis Veselis tried to harmonize the spirit of the age with that of Latvian folk poetry; this is successfully realized in the poetry of Zinaīda Lazda and Andrejs Eglītis and also in that of Veronika Strēlerte.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This concept was an attempt to harmonize the conflicting tendencies of Hinduism into one system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A good deal of vacillation in and after 1848 was caused by the inability of Palacký and others to harmonize the emphasis on historical rights with genuine devotion to the modern principles of Czech nationalism and Slavic solidarity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After West Germany adopted the VAT in 1968, most other western European countries followed suit, largely as the result of a desire to harmonize tax systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The furniture style he evolved, popularized by the cabinetmaker George Hepplewhite, was always meant to harmonize with the rest of the home.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mali is a member of the Economic Community of West African States, a body encompassing most states in western Africa that attempts to integrate and harmonize the economic interests of the region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But among thinkers influenced by al-Kindi, one can discern a continuing tendency to harmonize "foreign" philosophy with the "indigenous" developments of Muslim culture.

SEP

Albert's distinction thus allowed him to harmonize Plato's realism in which universals existed as separate forms with Aristotle's more nominalistic theory of immanent forms.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harmonize", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of bringing elements into agreement or balance. Be precise about what is being harmonized and the desired outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "harmonize" when a simpler term like "agree" or "match" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious. Instead reserve it to express complex or intricate relationships.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "harmonize" is as a verb. Ludwig AI highlights its use in bringing elements into agreement or creating a pleasing combination. It describes the act of making different things compatible or consistent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

News & Media

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harmonize" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of bringing elements into agreement or balance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in academic and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, remember to be precise about what is being harmonized to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives include "reconcile", "coordinate", and "integrate", each offering a slightly different nuance. By understanding these nuances and using "harmonize" appropriately, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bring into accord

Focuses on achieving agreement or compatibility between different elements.

Reconcile differences

Highlights the resolution of conflicts or disagreements to achieve harmony.

Achieve equilibrium

Emphasizes attaining a state of balance or stability.

Coordinate efforts

Stresses the organization and alignment of activities toward a common goal.

Bring into alignment

Focuses on adjusting elements to match or agree with each other.

Synchronize actions

Highlights the timing and coordination of activities.

Unify elements

Emphasizes the process of bringing diverse components into a cohesive whole.

Integrate aspects

Focuses on combining different parts into a unified system.

Attain consonance

Stresses achieving agreement or harmony in sound or opinion.

Balance factors

Highlights the act of weighing and adjusting different elements to achieve equilibrium.

FAQs

How can I use "harmonize" in a sentence?

You can use "harmonize" to describe bringing different elements into agreement or balance. For example, "The team worked to "harmonize their efforts"" or "The interior designer sought to "harmonize the colors" in the room".

What are some alternatives to "harmonize"?

Alternatives to "harmonize" include "reconcile", "coordinate", "integrate", or "synchronize", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "harmonize with" or "harmonize to"?

The correct usage is "harmonize with". For example, "The music should "harmonize with the lyrics"", not "harmonize to the lyrics".

What's the difference between "harmonize" and "symphonize"?

"Harmonize" generally means to bring into agreement or balance, while "symphonize" specifically refers to creating a harmonious combination, often in a musical context. While they share semantic overlap, symphonize conveys a more specialized meaning and it's suitable in fewer contexts.