dissonance
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “dissonance” mean?
noun.a lack of harmony among musical notes; a tension or clash resulting from the combination of two disharmonious or unsuitable elements.
SAT Usage
dissonance often appears in passages discussing music, art, psychology, or social issues, emphasizing conflict, disagreement, or lack of cohesion among ideas or elements. It suggests a deeper tension that goes beyond mere disagreement, highlighting the complexity and discomfort that can arise from contrasting perspectives, unlike similar terms such as "discord," which may imply a more general lack of harmony without the nuanced implications of tension and clash.
Common Confusions
Dissonance implies a complex tension or clash among elements, while discord usually suggests a more straightforward lack of harmony without the nuanced implications of deeper conflict or discomfort.
Example Sentences
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The dissonance between his words and actions confused everyone.
Word Parts: How to Remember “dissonance”
Break “dissonance” into its parts: di- (apart, away) + -son- (sound). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
di-apart, away (Latin) -
Root:
-son-sound (Latin)