Dissonance
/ˈdɪs.ən.əns/noun
A lack of harmony among musical notes or a discordant quality in sounds.
Did you know?In ancient philosophy, dissonance represented not just musical discord but also a cosmic imbalance, believed to disturb the harmony of the universe itself.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
dissonantia
“Disagreement or discord, particularly in sound.”
Old French
Old French
dissonance
“A harsh or inharmonious combination of sounds.”
14th Century
Middle English
dissonance
“The state of being in discord; lack of harmony.”
Modern English
English
dissonance
“The quality of being inharmonious or discordant in sound.”