Dissonante

Dissonante, derived from Italian, describes something lacking harmony or agreement, often referring to sounds that clash unpleasantly. It can also apply to ideas, opinions, or actions that are incongruent or at odds with each other, creating a sense of conflict or imbalance. This disharmony can be jarring to the senses or create a feeling of unease. It signifies a lack of consonance or a disruption of an expected pattern, emphasizing a jarring contrast or lack of unity. The term emphasizes the lack of a unified or agreeable experience whether perceived in sound, idea, or action.

Dissonante meaning with examples

• The composer deliberately used dissonante chords to create a feeling of unease and tension in the scene, heightening the dramatic impact. This musical choice created a startling aural landscape where notes clashed.
• The harsh, dissonante sounds of the factory machines filled the air, making it difficult for the workers to focus. The repetitive sounds were grating and created a sense of unease for everyone who worked there.
• The critics complained that the character's sudden change in behavior was a dissonante element in the otherwise cohesive plot of the book. The switch didn't feel natural to the readers.
• His dissonante actions, promising support while simultaneously undermining the project, created a mistrustful environment within the team. This disharmony was very harmful.