noun

dissonance

DIS-uh-nuhns/ˈdɪsənəns/

A clash between sounds that creates tension.

The dissonance between the two notes makes the music feel tense.

Two musicians in rehearsal look uncomfortable after a harsh discordant chord on piano, visible wince.

Etymology

disLatinapart

+sonLatinto sound

+anceLatinstate or condition

The image of “sounding apart” makes disagreement resemble notes that clash rather than harmonize. It captures a lack of fit between ideas or things as well as between sounds.

In context

David Bruce Composer13:14

different kinds of music around the world and their relationship to dissonance there's a huge variety some set out quite deliberately to cultivate that clashing so-called harsh [Music] sound

Dissonance is the Heart of Good Music

More examples

The composer uses dissonance to build suspense before the final chord.
The clashing bells fill the square with dissonance.
These dissonances resolve into a gentle harmony.

Forms

dissonance · dissonances

dissonant adjective — Having sounds that clash rather than blend.

Similar words

discord: Emphasizes a lack of harmony between sounds or notes.
cacophony: Suggests a loud, harsh mixture of many unpleasant sounds.