Definition

Not in harmony; producing a harsh or unpleasant sound, or being in disagreement or conflict.

Example

The discordant notes from the piano made it hard to enjoy the music.

Conversation

Did you hear that new band last night?

Yeah, their sound was a bit discordant for my taste.

I thought it was interesting, but I can see why you'd think that.

For sure, it's just not what I expected from a live show.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Discordant → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "cordare" (meaning to agree or harmonize). The word describes a state of being in disagreement or lacking harmony.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dis-' meaning apart and 'cordare' meaning to agree — this helps you remember that discordant refers to a lack of agreement or harmony.

Visually Confused Words