Cacophony and dissonance refer to the combination of harsh, discordant noises that are unpleasant to the ear. Both terms are used deliberately to create an unsettling, jarring effect. Cacophony is often used in literature, while dissonance is more common in music.
Key Takeaways
- Cacophony and dissonance both refer to loud and harsh sounds that are unpleasant to the ear.
- Both effects are used intentionally to create a harsh sound or a tense feeling.
- While cacophony is commonly used in literature, dissonance is more frequently used in music and other fields.
What is Cacophony?
Cacophony is a combination of harsh and discordant noises, often used in literature and in everyday life. Examples of cacophony include the mixture of sounds heard in a busy city street or market. In literature, cacophony is the opposite of euphony, which refers to the use of pleasant-sounding words. Writers may use explosive consonants to create a cacophony in their work.
What is Dissonance?
Dissonance refers to harsh, jarring sounds or lack of harmony, and is often used in music, literature, and psychology. In music, dissonance is a sound created when two discordant notes are played in unison, which can create tension and give a sense of motion to a composition.
What are the Similarities Between Cacophony and Dissonance?
Both cacophony and dissonance refer to loud and harsh sounds that are unpleasant to the ear, and can be used as synonyms since there is not much of a difference between the two terms.
What is the Difference Between Cacophony and Dissonance?
The key difference between cacophony and dissonance is that cacophony is used in everyday life and literature, while dissonance is used in various fields including music, literature, and psychology.
Summary – Cacophony vs Dissonance
In summary, both cacophony and dissonance refer to loud and harsh sounds that are unpleasant to the ear, and are used intentionally to create a harsh sound or tense feeling. There is not much of a difference between cacophony and dissonance.
