How to pronounce dissonance
Say it like DIS-uh-nuns. Dissonance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dissonance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DIS
- uh
- nuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dissonance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of dissonance
American and British speakers say dissonance in essentially the same way: /ˈdɪsənəns/ in the US and /ˈdɪsənəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: DIS-uh-nuns.
What does dissonance mean?
- A harsh, discordant combination of sounds.
- Conflicting notes that are not overtones of the note or chord sounding.
- A state of disagreement or conflict.
Where does dissonance come from?
Borrowed from Middle French dissonance, from Latin dissonantia; by surface analysis, dis- + son- + -ance.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying dissonance
How do you pronounce dissonance?
Say DIS-uh-nuns. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɪsənəns/. In British English it is /ˈdɪsənəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dissonance?
Dissonance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIS). Broken into parts: DIS · uh · nuns.
Do Americans and Brits say dissonance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɪsənəns/ and the British form is /ˈdɪsənəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.