Words / C2

KONS-uh-n-uh-ns/ˈkɒnsənəns/

Consonance is agreement or harmony, of views or of sound: consonance of aims, pleasing consonance. Harmony (already in the dictionary) is everyday agreement or a musical blend; cadence (already in the dictionary) is a measured rise and fall of voice, and cacophony (already in the dictionary) is a harsh mix — the opposite flavour. A mission chorus is not a spare key.

Meaning

Agreement or harmony, especially of views or of sound.

Examples

• “Consonance in the mission statement is not a spare night-clinic key.”
• “Harmony is everyday agreement or blend (already in B1). Cadence is a measured rise and fall (already in C2). Cacophony is a harsh noise mix (already in C2) — the contrast. Agreement on the right object can still be exact. Agreement instead of a named post is a hole. Write the rota; then the chord.”

Good to know

Agreement; harmonious sound. Everyday: harmony / agreement (already in this dictionary). Close: cadence (already in C2). Contrast: cacophony (already in C2). A motto ≠ a key.

Near in meaning

harmony, accord, agreement, concord

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