Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state of being in perfect agreement or harmony: "unison" refers to a situation where multiple parties are in complete accord, acting or thinking as one.
   • The simultaneous sounding of the same musical pitch or note: In music, "unison" describes two or more voices or instruments producing the same note at the same time.

Usage

• General Agreement: Use "unison" to describe people or groups acting together in perfect harmony or agreement.
• Musical Performance: Use "unison" to describe the performance of the same musical note or melody line by multiple performers simultaneously.

Examples

• General Agreement:
  • The committee members nodded in unison. (The committee members all nodded at the same time, showing agreement.)
  • The crowd shouted the slogan in unison. (The crowd shouted the slogan together as one voice.)
• Musical Performance:
  • The choir began the hymn in unison. (The choir all sang the same notes at the start of the hymn.)
  • The violins played the opening phrase in unison. (All the violins played the same notes for the opening phrase.)

Advanced Usage

• "In perfect unison": An emphatic form stressing complete and flawless harmony or simultaneity.
  • The dancers moved in perfect unison. (The dancers' movements were perfectly synchronized.)
• "To act/be in unison with": To act in complete agreement or coordination with someone or something.
  • The various departments worked in unison with each other on the project. (The departments coordinated their efforts perfectly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Unisonous (adj, rare): Characterized by unison; sounding in unison.
• Unisonal (adj): Pertaining to or characterized by unison.

Synonyms

• Harmony: Agreement or concord.
• Accord: Official agreement or harmony.
• Consonance: Agreement or compatibility between opinions or actions.
• Simultaneity: The fact of occurring or being done at the same time.

Antonyms

• Discord: Disagreement between people.
• Dissonance: Lack of harmony among musical notes; inconsistency.
• Conflict: A serious disagreement or argument.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To speak in unison": To say the same words at the same time.
  • The class recited the pledge in unison.
• "In unison with": In agreement or coordination with.
  • The policy was developed in unison with industry leaders.

Noun

1. (music) two or more sounds or tones at the same pitch or in octaves
   • singing in unison
2. occurring together or simultaneously
   • the two spoke in unison
3. corresponding exactly
   • marching in unison