Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To bring different elements into a state of agreement, consistency, or pleasing combination.
   • In music, to compose or perform a complementary musical part that fits with a main melody.
   • To cause things to be congruent or compatible.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To be in a state of agreement, balance, or pleasing combination.
   • To sing or play music in harmony.

Examples of Usage

• Transitive Verb:

  • The interior designer worked to harmonise the room's colours and textures.
  • The conductor helped the choir harmonise their voices for the final chord.
  • A key role of management is to harmonise the goals of different departments.

• Intransitive Verb:

  • The new building's architecture does not harmonise with the historic square.
  • The two singers harmonise beautifully together.
  • These policies must harmonise with international standards.

Advanced Usage

• "To harmonise with": To be in agreement or to match well with something else.

  • Your proposal needs to harmonise with the company's long-term strategy.

• "To harmonise regulations/rules": To make different sets of rules consistent with each other, often across regions or organisations.

  • The EU works to harmonise trade regulations across member states.

Variants and Related Words

• Harmonize: The preferred spelling in American English. It shares all the same meanings as 'harmonise'.
• Harmonisation (Noun): The process of making things harmonious or consistent.
  • The harmonisation of tax laws is a complex process.
• Harmony (Noun): The state of being in agreement or a pleasing combination, especially in music.
  • They worked in perfect harmony.

Synonyms

• Coordinate: To organise different elements to work together effectively.
• Reconcile: To make compatible or consistent, often conflicting ideas or accounts.
• Blend: To mix or combine smoothly and inseparably.
• Attune: To bring into a harmonious or responsive relationship.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: 'Harmonise' itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically extended using prepositions like 'with'.) - Harmonise A with B: The standard construction for showing what is being brought into agreement. - The challenge was to harmonise local customs with national laws.

Related Idioms

• "To sing from the same hymn sheet": This idiom conveys a similar idea of people being in agreement or harmony in their views or actions.
  • It's important that the whole team sings from the same hymn sheet during the presentation.

Verb

1. bring into consonance, harmony, or accord while making music or singing
2. bring into consonance or accord
   • harmonize one's goals with one's abilities
3. bring (several things) into consonance or relate harmoniously
   • harmonize the different interests
4. sing or play in harmony
5. write a harmony for
6. go together
   • The colors don't harmonize
   • Their ideas concorded