dissonance
Pronunciation
Noun
B1 Intermediate
Quick answer
A harsh or unpleasant clash, especially between sounds or ideas that don't fit together.
Synonyms and antonyms
Usage notes
"Cognitive dissonance" is a common phrase for the discomfort of holding two contradictory beliefs at once.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The song's opening chord created a _____ that made listeners uneasy before it resolved."
Answer: dissonance
In your own words, what does "dissonance" mean?
A harsh or unpleasant clash, especially between sounds or ideas that don't fit together.
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