Harmonize

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈhɑɹmənaɪz/

Definitions

1. To bring different elements into a pleasing or consistent arrangement, especially in music or color
2. To create a sense of agreement or compatibility among differing elements, often found in music, design, or interpersonal relations
3. To establish a pleasing or coherent relationship between varying parts, particularly in artistic or social contexts

Etymology: "Harmonize" is a fairly straightforward construction: it combines "harmony" with the verb-forming suffix "-ize," which turns a noun into an action. "Harmony" itself came into English from Old French "armonie," which in turn descends from Latin "harmonia" and the Greek "harmonia," a word meaning a fitting together or a joint, related to the verb "harmozein," to fit or join. The Greek sense was physical before it was musical, referring to the way pieces of wood or stone were joined so they sat snugly together. The verb itself was borrowed from French "harmoniser," so English took the word as a ready-made verb rather than building it from the noun at home. The sense of fitting pieces together carried over naturally: to harmonize is to bring differing parts into a state where they fit and work as one, whether those parts are notes in a chord, colours in a room, or people in a disagreement.

Synonyms: synchronize, coalesce, integrate, unify, concord

Antonyms: dissonate, conflict, diverge