discord
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
disagreement or lack of harmony between people, groups, or things; also, a harsh, unpleasant mixture of sounds
In modern internet culture, also the name of a popular VoIP, instant messaging, and digital distribution platform designed for creating communities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a deeper, more fundamental clash of opinions, interests, or sounds than simple disagreement. The musical sense refers to dissonance, i.e., a combination of notes that sounds unstable and tense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or spelling. Both use the musical and figurative senses identically.
Connotations
Slightly more literary or formal in everyday use in both varieties. The proper noun 'Discord' (the app) is universally recognized.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties in formal/written contexts. The interpersonal sense is more frequent than the musical one.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
discord between X and Ydiscord over/about/regarding [an issue]discord within [a group]in discord withVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A note of discord”
- “Sow (the seeds of) discord”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to disagreements within a team or board that hinder productivity, e.g., 'The merger talks were hampered by internal discord.'
Academic
Used in political science, sociology, and history to describe social or ideological conflict, e.g., 'The period was marked by intense religious discord.'
Everyday
Describes arguments in relationships, families, or among friends, e.g., 'There's been a lot of discord in the office since the new policy.'
Technical
In music theory, a chord or interval that sounds unstable and requires resolution (dissonance).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Their views discorded fundamentally on the issue of sovereignty.
- (Rare, archaic/literary) The witness's account discorded with the physical evidence.
American English
- The two studies discord in their final conclusions.
- (Rare) His actions discord with his stated principles.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- No common adjectival form. Use 'discordant'. (e.g., discordant voices)
American English
- No common adjectival form. Use 'discordant'. (e.g., discordant opinions)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The loud music caused discord with the neighbours.
- They are friends and have no discord.
- Political discord made it difficult to pass the new law.
- There was some discord in the family about where to go on holiday.
- The minister's speech sowed discord within the party ranks.
- The sudden introduction of a discordant note ruined the harmony of the piece.
- The era was characterised by profound social discord and upheaval.
- Attempts to mediate failed to resolve the deep-seated doctrinal discord between the factions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DIScordant CORD (rope) - a rope pulled in two different directions by people in disagreement, creating tension.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARMONY IS UNITY / DISCORD IS PHYSICAL SEPARATION OR CLASH (e.g., 'rift', 'divide', 'at odds').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "дискорд" as the app name; the common noun is more often translated as "раздор", "раздоры", "несогласие", "разлад".
- The musical term "диссонанс" is a closer equivalent for the sound meaning.
- Avoid the false friend "дискорт" (non-existent).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'discord' for a minor, polite disagreement (it's too strong).
- Misspelling as 'discourd' or 'dischord'.
- Confusing the noun 'discord' with the verb 'discord' (which is rare and means to disagree).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'discord' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is more common in formal, written, or literary contexts than in casual conversation, where 'disagreement' or 'argument' might be used.
'Discord' implies a deeper, more serious, and often ongoing state of conflict or disharmony. A 'disagreement' can be a single instance of differing opinions and can be minor.
Yes, but it is very rare, archaic, and literary (e.g., 'Their accounts discord'). In modern English, phrases like 'to be in discord' or 'to disagree' are used instead.
Yes, ironically. The platform is named for its aim to reduce 'discord' (difficulty in communication) among gamers and communities by providing a smooth communication tool, turning a word for disharmony into a brand for connection.
Explore