Dissonant
Example: The dissonant chords in the symphony created intense tension.
Definition
"Dissonant" in music describes sounds, especially chords or intervals, that clash or create a sense of tension and instability, often perceived as harsh or unpleasant, as in the phrase 'The dissonant chords in the symphony created intense tension.'
Etymology
The word "dissonant" comes from the Latin 'dissonare,' meaning 'to sound apart,' combining 'dis-' (apart) and 'sonare' (to sound). Did you know? The concept of dissonance has been central to musical theory for centuries, representing sounds that challenge harmony and evoke emotional intensity.
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"Dissonant" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - Music - (C2) - set 1", containing 99 commonly used words.
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