What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discordant
Example
The discordant notes of the piano made my ears hurt. [discordant: adjective]
Example
The band's performance was discordant, with each member playing a different tune. [discordant: adjective]
Example
Their views on politics were discordant, leading to heated arguments. [discordant: adjective]
opposing
Example
The opposing teams faced each other in the final match. [opposing: adjective]
Example
The opposing candidates had different plans for the country's future. [opposing: adjective]
Example
The company's decision was opposing to the interests of its employees. [opposing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Opposing is more commonly used than discordant in everyday language. Opposing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while discordant is less common and mainly used to describe sounds or music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discordant and opposing?
Both discordant and opposing can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, discordant may be more formal due to its association with music and sound analysis.