What does dissonance mean?
Word: Dissonance
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Dissonance means a mix of musical notes that sound unpleasant together. It can also mean a lack of agreement.
Synonyms: disagreement
How do you spell dissonance?
Syllables: dis - so - nance
Tricky part: The ending is the usual worry. The final vowel is faint, so pupils cannot hear whether it is ance or ence. This word takes a.
Watch out for: dissonence, dissonanse
Memory tip: Think of a band playing out of tune: the a of band is the vowel near the end.
Dissonance in a sentence
Example 1: The two flutes played a note apart, and the dissonance made everyone smile.
Example 2: Some modern composers use dissonance to keep listeners alert.
Example 3: There was a slight dissonance between the glossy advert and the plain product.
Fun Fact
Its Latin parts mean sounding apart. Composers use it on purpose, because a chord that grates makes the calm one after it feel like a relief.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
One letter in this word is not needed. Find it:
dissonnance
a) a
b) s
c) n
d) o
Show answer
c) n. Only a single consonant stands between the o and the a.
Mingle-Mangle
Unscramble the jumbled word in the sentence and choose the correct one:
There was a strange oicandssen between the cheerful words of the song and its gloomy tune.
a) disturbance
b) distance
c) dominance
d) dissonance
Show answer
d) dissonance. With no m and no t to work with, one option matches.
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word dissonance as used in the sentence:
A sharp dissonance in the opening chords made the audience wince.
a) harmony
b) friction
c) discord
d) tension
Show answer
a) harmony. Notes that blend sweetly are just what the sentence lacks.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is misspelt. Choose the meaning of that word:
1. melody 2. chorus 3. disonance 4. rhythm
a) a tune that is pleasant to hear
b) harsh sounds that do not blend
c) a part of a song that is repeated
d) a strong, regular beat in music
Show answer
b) harsh sounds that do not blend. It needs two s's, the same as dissolve.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A school orchestra produces dissonance in rehearsal. What would the conductor most likely do?
a) ask for the same notes louder
b) end the practice with applause
c) stop and retune the instruments
d) praise the sweet blend of sound
Show answer
c) stop and retune the instruments
2. Which situation shows dissonance between words and actions?
a) a friend who offers help and then helps
b) a teacher who tests what she has taught
c) a shopkeeper who charges the marked price
d) a coach who demands punctuality but arrives late
Show answer
d) a coach who demands punctuality but arrives late
