Discordant
mediumNegative tonedis-KOR-dunt
adjective
Definition
clashing or disagreeing; harsh and inharmonious
Memory hook
disCORDant: hearts ('cord' = heart) pulled apart, so everything clashes and jars.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The committee's discordant voices made consensus impossible.”
“A discordant note of pessimism crept into his otherwise upbeat speech.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The committee's ______ voices made consensus impossible.”
Show answer
discordant
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Discordant is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "clashing" or "dissonant" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "harmonious".
Related GRE Words
dissonance
Lack of harmony; disagreement or inconsistency between ideas, sounds, or statements
disparate
Essentially different in kind; distinct and not able to be compared directly
antipathy
a deep, settled feeling of dislike or aversion
appease
To pacify or placate someone by acceding to their demands
belligerent
Hostile and aggressive; engaged in war or conflict
cacophony
A harsh mixture of discordant sounds; loud, confused, and unharmonious noise
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