What does unison mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/juːˈnɪsən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A state of complete agreement or harmony among people, groups, or things, often expressed through synchronized actions or sounds.

Examples

• The choir sang in unison, creating a beautiful harmony.
• The team worked in unison to complete the project on time.

Synonyms

• Harmony
• Unity

Antonyms

• Discord
• Disagreement

Additional Information

Unison is often used to describe music, dance, or other performances where multiple individuals or groups act in perfect harmony. In everyday life, unison can also refer to people working together towards a common goal or sharing a unified opinion. In some cases, unison can imply a sense of unity or togetherness, as when people come together to support a cause or celebrate an event.

In music, unison refers to the simultaneous performance of the same pitch or rhythm by multiple voices or instruments. This can create a powerful and cohesive sound, often used in choruses or climactic moments.

Etymology

The word “unison” comes from the Latin “unisonus,” meaning “having one sound,” derived from “uni-” meaning “one” and “sonus” meaning “sound.”

Usage Notes

Use “unison” to describe situations where people or things are perfectly synchronized or in harmony. Avoid using it to describe simple agreements or coincidences, as it implies a deeper level of unity or coordination.

Cultural References

Unison has been used in various cultural contexts, such as in music, dance, and sports. For example, the phrase “in unison” is often used in dance and gymnastics to describe synchronized movements.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“In unison” is a common idiomatic expression used to describe people or things acting together in harmony.

Related Words or Phrases

• Harmony
• Unity
• Synchronization

Collocations

• in unison
• unison sound
• unison movement

Frequency of Use

Unison is a moderately common word in everyday language, often used in formal or technical contexts such as music, dance, and sports.

Common Misspellings

• unision
• unisun
• unisen