Definition of consonance

The word "consonance" originated from the Latin consonantia, which means "agreement" or "harmony." In Latin, consonantia referred both to the instances when vowels or consonants appeared together without a vowel sound interrupting in between, as well as the pleasing combination of sounds in language. The term found its way into the English language in the late 14th century. Initially, consonance referred specifically to the harmonious sound of certain consonants when they appeared together. Over time, as musical concepts like harmony and consonance became more closely associated, the word came to describe the pleasing combination of similar or complementary sounds in music as well. Today, consonance has a broader meaning, encompassing both harmonious pairs of sounds and the overall pleasing quality of sound in music, language, and other related disciplines. In music theory, consonance refers to the instances when chords or intervals are perceived as harmonious and stable, while dissonance describes the instances when these features are not present. Both consonance and dissonance play an essential role in creating a dynamic and varied musical experience, and understanding their interplay is essential for composers, performers, and music theorists.