Meaning
Discord has two main meanings:
- (noun) Lack of agreement, harmony, or peace between people, groups, or things; conflict.
- (verb, formal) To disagree or clash. (Less commonly used than the noun form.)
- (noun, music) A combination of sounds that clash or are unpleasant when played together.
Grammar and Usage
- As a noun: "discord between A and B," "sow discord," "family discord"
- As a verb (formal/rare): "Their opinions discord with each other."
- It is mostly used as a countable/uncountable noun in modern English.
Typical patterns:
- discord between A and B
- to sow/spread discord
- discord over + topic
Common Phrases
- domestic discord – family conflict
- political discord – disagreement in politics
- social discord – unrest in society
- sow discord – create conflict intentionally
- discordant note – figurative: something out of harmony; literal: clashing sound
Collocations
- noun + discord: family discord, social discord, political discord
- verb + discord: sow discord, cause discord, create discord
- adjective + discord: deep discord, bitter discord, internal discord
- discord + over/about: discord over policy, discord about money
Examples
- There was growing discord between the two nations.
- Financial issues often cause discord within families.
- The politician tried to sow discord among his opponents.
- Their friendship ended because of a long-standing discord over trust.
- Social media can sometimes create discord instead of unity.
- The meeting ended on a discordant note when tempers flared.
- The orchestra produced a sudden discord that startled the audience.
- His values discord with those of his colleagues.
Synonyms or Related
- Synonyms (noun): conflict, strife, disagreement, friction, disharmony, quarrel, tension
- Synonyms (verb): clash, conflict, disagree (rare usage)
- Related: discordant, disharmony
