cognitive dissonance — the mental discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the mental discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɑːɡnətɪv ˈdɪsənəns/
Example Sentences
- The smoker felt cognitive dissonance knowing cigarettes were harmful but continuing to smoke anyway.
- My cognitive dissonance kicked in when I told my kids to eat vegetables while secretly hiding candy bars in my desk.
- Students often experience cognitive dissonance when they procrastinate despite knowing the importance of studying.
cognitive dissonance
NOUN[/ˈkɑːɡnətɪv ˈdɪsənəns/]
the mental discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term was coined in 1957 by psychologist Leon Festinger. 'Cognitive' derives from Latin cognoscere (to know), while 'dissonance' comes from Latin dissonare (to sound badly, discord). The phrase combines these Latin-rooted terms to describe the psychological tension arising from conflicting beliefs or attitudes.
Breakdown
cognitive- (from Latin cognoscere, to know or perceive) + dissonance (from Latin dis- (apart) + sonare (to sound), literally 'sounding apart' or discord).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The smoker felt cognitive dissonance knowing cigarettes were harmful but continuing to smoke anyway.”
“My cognitive dissonance kicked in when I told my kids to eat vegetables while secretly hiding candy bars in my desk.”
“Students often experience cognitive dissonance when they procrastinate despite knowing the importance of studying.”
“She suffered from cognitive dissonance after buying a gas-guzzling SUV right after joining an environmental club.”
📚Related Words
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