dissonant
UK: ˈdɪsənənt | US: ˈdɪsənənt
adj. 1. (of sound) harsh or discordant; lacking harmony.
adj. 2. (figuratively) incongruous or incompatible in nature; conflicting.
dissonant = dis<apart> + son<sound> + ant<adjective suffix>
- dis (Latin dis-): Prefix meaning "apart," "away," or "negation."
- son (Latin sonus): Root meaning "sound."
- ant (Latin -antem): Adjective-forming suffix indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin dissonantem (present participle of dissonare, "to sound harsh"), the word combines dis- (separation) with sonus (sound). It originally described clashing musical tones, later extending metaphorically to describe any form of incongruity or conflict. The evolution reflects a logical shift from auditory discord to abstract disagreement.
The dissonant chords in the modern composition left the audience unsettled.
Their dissonant opinions on the policy led to heated debates.
The orchestra tuned carefully to avoid dissonant notes.
His cheerful demeanor felt dissonant with the grim news he delivered.
The artist used dissonant colors to evoke tension in the painting.