English Reference
noun

harmony

n.
US /ˈhɑɹməni/ UK /hˈɑːməni/ har·mo·ny UK spelling harmonies

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a situation where people live or work together in a friendly way without fighting.

    a state of agreement or concord between people, groups, or nations.

    Simple

    The two communities have lived in harmony for many decades.

    In context

    The diplomatic mission was designed to restore harmony between the two warring factions after years of border disputes.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a quality where different parts of something fit together in a beautiful or balanced way.

    the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole through the balanced arrangement of elements.

    Simple

    The modern furniture was in perfect harmony with the old house.

    In context

    The architect sought a visual harmony between the glass skyscraper and the surrounding historical stone buildings.

    disproportionclash
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    the sound of two or more musical notes played at the same time.

    the simultaneous combination of notes and the resulting relationship between them.

    Simple

    The singer added a beautiful harmony to the main melody of the song.

    In context

    The composer utilised complex jazz harmonies that challenged the traditional expectations of the orchestral audience.

    chordpolyphony
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Music

    the study of how musical chords are built and how they follow each other.

    the academic and theoretical study of the structure, progression, and relation of chords.

    Simple

    She is taking a class to learn the rules of classical harmony.

    In context

    Advanced students of harmony must master the intricate rules of four-part writing and voice leading.

    music theory
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency SlangInformal

    a name used by fans for the romantic pairing of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.

    a portmanteau or collective name used within fan communities to denote the romantic pairing of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.

    Simple

    Some fans prefer the idea of harmony over the actual couples in the books.

    In context

    Online forums dedicated to harmony often feature extensive fan fiction reimagining the series with a different romantic conclusion.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated