dissonance
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dissonance
A state of disagreement, contradiction, or discord between opinions, feelings, or actions. The term cognitive dissonance in psychology is especially well known.
Es gab eine deutliche Dissonanz zwischen seinen Worten und seinen Taten.
There was a clear dissonance between his words and his actions.
The word comes from the Latin 'dissonantia'. It contains the prefix 'dis-' (apart, un-) and the root 'sonare' (to sound). The literal meaning 'sounding apart' or 'not fitting together' explains both the musical discord and the figurative contradiction.
Die Dissonanz in seinen Aussagen war offensichtlich.
The dissonance in his statements was obvious.
'Dissonanz' (dissonance) is a word used in elevated or educated language. It is mainly used in formal, academic, or intellectual discussions.
In der Podiumsdiskussion wurden die Dissonanzen zwischen den Parteien deutlich.
In the panel discussion, the dissonances between the parties became clear.
You can recognize the difference between the meanings from the context. Words like 'kognitiv' (cognitive), 'Gefühle' (feelings), 'Meinungen' (opinions), or 'Widerspruch' (contradiction) point to the figurative meaning. Terms like 'Musik' (music), 'Komponist' (composer), 'Akkord' (chord), or 'Harmonie' (harmony) point to the musical meaning.
Der Psychologe sprach über die Folgen kognitiver Dissonanz.
The psychologist spoke about the consequences of cognitive dissonance.
In the psychological meaning, the combination 'kognitive Dissonanz' (cognitive dissonance) is a very fixed and well-known expression. The structure 'eine Dissonanz zwischen [etwas] und [etwas]' (a dissonance between [something] and [something]) is also often used.
Er empfand eine starke Dissonanz zwischen seinen Werten und den Anforderungen seines Jobs.
He felt a strong dissonance between his values and the demands of his job.
contradiction / objection
'der Widerspruch' and 'die Dissonanz' can both express that something does not fit together. 'Widerspruch' is used when two statements, actions, or facts clearly stand in opposition to each other. The word is more direct and factual. 'Dissonanz' sounds softer and describes more of a feeling of inconsistency, for example between thoughts, feelings, or behavior. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with opposites. When it is about a clear logical contrast, 'Widerspruch' fits better. When it is about inner tension or an unpleasant inconsistency, 'Dissonanz' sounds more natural.
Nach dem Lob vom Chef spürte Anna eine Dissonanz, weil sie selbst mit ihrer Arbeit unzufrieden war.
After the praise from her boss, Anna felt a dissonance because she herself was dissatisfied with her work.
In seiner Erklärung gibt es einen Widerspruch, weil er zuerst Ja und später Nein sagt.
There is a contradiction in his explanation because he first says yes and later says no.