underlying discord

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying discord" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental disagreement or conflict that may not be immediately visible but affects a situation or relationship. Example: "The underlying discord between the two departments has led to a lack of collaboration on projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And the seductiveness of the arena setting, its resonant repercussions in the psyches of fans who have little else to cling to, gives the show its underlying discord.

The New York Times

His resignation was kept under wraps from the travel industry for a good year, however, because neither Zecha nor anyone else with the company wanted the underlying discord to detract from the Amanresorts mystique.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

By Friday, the two presidents set aside the discord underlying those statements.

The New York Times

Like the folk song from which it draws its title (and which laments 'the foreign chains that bind us'), the tone is more melancholic than defiant, with a twang of bitterness underlying its themes of discord and discontent.

The Guardian - Film

The underlying lesson?

The New York Times

Change the underlying context.

The New York Times

Such discord may lead parents to attribute child conduct to the presence of a disruptive behavioral disorder, such as ADHD, when the true problem may be an underlying circadian disorder causing both bedtime refusal [ 15] and increased daytime fatigue [ 16].

BMC Psychiatry

Underlying color.

WikiHow

Treat underlying conditions.

WikiHow

Look for underlying factors.

WikiHow

Alexander Hamilton knew from discord.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underlying discord" to describe a fundamental disagreement that is not immediately obvious but influences events or relationships. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying discord" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "disagreement" or "tension" for better clarity and appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying discord" functions as a noun phrase, where "underlying" modifies the noun "discord". It describes a fundamental, often hidden, state of disagreement or tension. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts requiring analysis of complex social or political situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Underlying discord" is a phrase used to describe a subtle or fundamental disagreement that is not always immediately apparent. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears primarily in news and media sources. While relatively rare, its consistent use in formal contexts emphasizes its role in analytical and descriptive writing. Consider alternatives like "latent conflict" or "hidden tension" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis. Avoid overuse in informal settings. In summary, "underlying discord" is a valuable phrase for articulating complex, subtle disagreements, particularly in formal analysis and commentary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

latent conflict

Focuses on the hidden, not yet expressed nature of the conflict.

subsurface tension

Emphasizes the tension existing beneath a calm exterior.

veiled disagreement

Highlights that the disagreement is hidden or disguised.

unspoken friction

Focuses on the lack of explicit communication about the friction.

hidden disharmony

Replaces "discord" with "disharmony" to emphasize the lack of agreement, adding the element of secrecy.

suppressed conflict

Highlights the active attempt to keep the conflict from surfacing.

inherent antagonism

Indicates a natural, built-in opposition or hostility.

covert dissension

Stresses the secretive nature of the disagreement or opposition.

dormant friction

Similar to latent conflict, indicates a paused or inactive state.

background tension

Emphasizes that the tension exists constantly in the environment, influencing the situation.

FAQs

How can "underlying discord" be used in a sentence?

"Underlying discord" is used to describe a fundamental disagreement or tension that isn't immediately apparent. For example, "The project failed due to the "underlying discord" between the team members."

What are some alternatives to "underlying discord"?

Alternatives include "latent conflict", "hidden tension", or "veiled disagreement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Latent conflict" emphasizes the potential for future problems, while "hidden tension" focuses on the present unease.

Is "underlying discord" a formal phrase?

Yes, "underlying discord" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic writing. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "disagreement" or "tension" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "discord" and "conflict"?

"Discord" generally refers to a lack of harmony or agreement, while "conflict" implies a more active and direct opposition. "Underlying discord" suggests a more subtle, less obvious form of disagreement than an open "conflict".