Dissonance vs Resolution

Side-by-side comparison of two musical terms.

	Dissonance	Resolution
Definition	Intervals or chords perceived as tense, unstable, and seeking resolution.	The move from a dissonant or unstable sonority to a consonant or stable one
Category	harmony	harmony
Pronunciation	—	rez-oh-LOO-shun
Origin	Latin	Latin
BPM	—	—
Synonyms	Discord Tension	release
Antonyms	Consonance	tension dissonance
Usage	The dissonance of the diminished seventh chord creates an almost unbearable tension that resolves beautifully onto the tonic.	The long-delayed resolution to the tonic at the end of the development section brings an almost physical sense of relief.

Definition: Intervals or chords perceived as tense, unstable, and seeking resolution.
Category: harmony
Origin: Latin
Synonyms: Discord Tension
Antonyms: Consonance
Usage: The dissonance of the diminished seventh chord creates an almost unbearable tension that resolves beautifully onto the tonic.

Definition: The move from a dissonant or unstable sonority to a consonant or stable one
Category: harmony
Pronunciation: rez-oh-LOO-shun
Origin: Latin
Synonyms: release
Antonyms: tension dissonance
Usage: The long-delayed resolution to the tonic at the end of the development section brings an almost physical sense of relief.