What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cacophony
Example
The construction site was filled with a cacophony of drilling, hammering, and shouting. [cacophony: noun]
Example
The orchestra's performance was a cacophony of out-of-tune instruments. [cacophony: noun]
discord
Example
There was discord among the team members, as they couldn't agree on a strategy. [discord: noun]
Example
The colors in her outfit created a discordant combination that clashed with each other. [discordant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discord is more commonly used than cacophony in everyday language. Discord is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while cacophony is less common and is mainly used to describe unpleasant sounds.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cacophony and discord?
Both cacophony and discord are formal words, suitable for use in both written and spoken English.
