Word
harmonize
Phoneticshar·mo·nize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈhɑɹməˌnaɪz/
UK spelling · harmonise
Definition
v. to make different things fit or work well together without conflict. You use this for plans, rules, or music that need to match.
v. to bring distinct elements into agreement or consistent operation, removing conflict between them. Often applies to policies, systems, or musical parts arranged to sound pleasing together.
Examples
“They harmonize their schedules to avoid conflicts.”
“The two departments harmonize their policies so customers get the same answer everywhere.”
“The architect tried to harmonize glass and stone, old and new, so the extension felt like a natural part of the historic street.”
Examples
simple
“They harmonize their schedules to avoid conflicts.”
contextual
“The two departments harmonize their policies so customers get the same answer everywhere.”
complex
“The architect tried to harmonize glass and stone, old and new, so the extension felt like a natural part of the historic street.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “harmonize” in context.
Verb
01. harmonize melody
“She can harmonize melody without reading sheet music.”
verb + noun
02. harmonize policy
“EU members work to harmonize policy on climate and energy.”
verb + noun
03. harmonize regulation
“The agencies met to harmonize regulation for food safety.”
verb + noun
04. harmonize system
“Engineers met to harmonize system for electric chargers.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. closely harmonize
“Schools must closely harmonize their calendars for the exchange.”
adv + verb
06. fully harmonize
“The two countries agreed to fully harmonize their trade rules.”
adv + verb
Noun
07. harmonize across region
“They aim to harmonize fares across the region for fair travel.”
verb + prep + noun
08. harmonize with partner
“He learned to harmonize with his partner during duets.”
verb + prep + noun
09. harmonize with piano
“She can harmonize with the piano after one hearing.”
verb + prep + noun
10. closely harmonize work schedules
“The two teams closely harmonize work schedules before the project.”
11. harmonize policies across borders
“Members agreed to harmonize policies across borders for fair trade.”
12. harmonize your voice with music
“Try to harmonize your voice with the music in the chorus.”
Usage
Transitive with an object when aligning systems or rules; intransitive when voices or instruments sound together.
Etymology
From French harmoniser. By surface analysis, harmony + -ize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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