Discord vs Dissonance: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
Discord is a general term for musical conflict or clashing sounds. Dissonance is the technical term for the harsh, tension-filled intervals themselves.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Discord mean?
noun / verb · /ˈdɪs.kɔːd/
Lack of agreement or harmony between people or things. In music, a dissonance — a combination of musical sounds that feels unresolved, clashing, or tense. Discord is the state before resolution, the note that needs to find where it belongs.
Explore DiscordDiscord in a sentence
The first few rehearsals were pure discord — everyone playing their own rhythm.
A note of discord entered the meeting when the numbers were revealed.
What does Dissonance mean?
noun · /ˈdɪs(ə)nəns/
A combination of musical notes that produce a harsh or inharmonious effect when sounded together; the quality of being discordant — and in psychology, the mental discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs.
Explore DissonanceDissonance in a sentence
The composer used dissonance strategically — every resolution was sweeter for the tension that preceded it.
The cognitive dissonance of knowing something was wrong and doing it anyway was exhausting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Discord and Dissonance?
Discord is a general term for musical conflict or clashing sounds. Dissonance is the technical term for the harsh, tension-filled intervals themselves.
What does Discord mean?
Lack of agreement or harmony between people or things. In music, a dissonance — a combination of musical sounds that feels unresolved, clashing, or tense. Discord is the state before resolution, the note that needs to find where it belongs.
What does Dissonance mean?
A combination of musical notes that produce a harsh or inharmonious effect when sounded together; the quality of being discordant — and in psychology, the mental discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs.