I. ˈdisənən(t)s noun
also dis·so·nan·cy -sənənsē, -si
( plural dissonances also dissonancies )
Etymology: Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin dissonantia, from Latin dissonant-, dissonans + -ia -y
1. : a mingling of discordant sounds : discord
the dissonance of the two bands playing different pieces too close to each other
specifically : a harsh or clashing musical interval or combination of notes
varying the flow of harmonious progressions with occasional jarring dissonance
— compare consonance
2.
a. : lack of agreement : incongruity , discrepancy
b. : dissidence , contention , strife
frustrations of the preceding hours, and … the occasional dissonances that those could but produce between him and her — Elizabeth Bowen
c. : an instance or example of such incongruity or such dissidence
the mingling of bitter comedy and stark tragedy produces sharp dissonances — F.B.Millett
3. : an unresolved musical note or chord ; specifically : an interval not included in a major or minor triad or its inversions — compare consonance 2b
II. noun
: inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs — see cognitive dissonance herein