Consonant
Example: The composer skillfully used a consonant harmony to create tension.
Definition
"Consonant" in music refers to a combination of notes that are harmonious and stable when played together, producing a pleasing or agreeable sound, as opposed to dissonant intervals which create tension or instability in the harmony.
Etymology
The word "consonant" comes from the Latin 'consonare,' meaning 'to sound together.' It was adopted into English in the late Middle Ages, originally describing harmonious sounds in music, reflecting how notes 'agree' or 'sound with' each other pleasantly.
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"Consonant" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - Music - (C2) - set 1", containing 99 commonly used words.
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