Discord

/ˈdɪskɔːrd/

nounBeginnerCommonLegal

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Lack of agreement or harmony; conflict.

/ˈdɪskɔːrd/

nounnegativeBeginner
Legal

Lack of agreement or harmony.

The political debate was filled with discord.

💡 Simply: Imagine two friends always arguing. They have 'discord', meaning they don't get along and have disagreements, like when you can't agree on what to watch on TV.

👶 For kids: When people or things don't agree or get along, that's called discord.

More Examples

2

There was a lot of discord between the siblings.

3

The discordant sounds in the orchestra annoyed the audience.

How It's Used

General

"The constant bickering created discord within the family."

Music

"The jarring notes produced a feeling of discord."

2

To cause disagreement or conflict.

/dɪˈskɔːrd/

verbnegativemedium
General

The politician's rhetoric was intended to discord the nation.

💡 Simply: Imagine someone stirring up trouble. They might 'discord' a group of friends by telling secrets and causing arguments.

👶 For kids: To make things not get along or fight, that's to discord them.

More Examples

2

His comments threatened to discord the team.

3

The rumors discorded the friendship.

How It's Used

General

"The politician's inflammatory speech was designed to discord the public."

Tip:To 'discord' is to actively create disharmony.

Idioms & expressions

sow discord

To create or spread disagreement and conflict.

"The spy was accused of sowing discord among the rebels."

a source of discord

Something that causes disagreement or conflict.

"His constant complaints were a source of discord in the office."

From Middle English *discord*, from Old French *descort* (disagreement, conflict), from Vulgar Latin *discordia*, from Latin *discordia* (disagreement, dissension), from *discors* (disagreeing, at variance).

The word 'discord' has been used since the 13th century to describe strife and disagreement.

Memory tip

Think of a broken 'chord' - that creates 'discord'.

dischorddiscort

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written