harmonise

harmonise — verb

1. to write, play, or sing notes that combine pleasantly with a melody, creating a

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to write, play, or sing notes that combine pleasantly with a melody, creating a fuller sound

例句

The choir teacher taught the tenors to harmonise the final chorus of the folk song.

transitive: harmonise + noun phrase (chorus)

At the concert, Yuki harmonised beautifully with the lead violinist during the slow movement.

intransitive: harmonise with + noun phrase

同義詞
  • arrange

    broader than harmonise — arranging includes changing the whole structure of a piece, not just adding harmony notes

  • accompany

    to play along with a main part, not necessarily adding harmony notes

文法句型

harmonise + noun phrase

harmonise with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in music contexts. When transitive, the object is the tune or melody being harmonised. When intransitive, the subject is the performer(s) and 'with' introduces the accompanying part.

常見錯誤

❌The two colours harmonise' (for colour coordination — this belongs to the SUIT TOGETHER sense).
✅The two guitar parts harmonise nicely.
💡Use this sense only for musical notes blending, not for visual or general matching.

2. to fit well with other things, or to change something so that it works smoothly

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to fit well with other things, or to change something so that it works smoothly or agrees with something else

例句

The interior designer chose curtains that harmonise with the wooden floorboards in the living room.

intransitive: harmonise with + noun (objects that match)

Deepak worked hard to harmonise the conflicting schedules of all four project teams.

transitive: harmonise + noun phrase (schedules/plans)

同義詞
  • match

    more general and less formal; 'match' suggests simple likeness while 'harmonise' implies complementary fit

  • coordinate

    focuses on organising different parts to work together, more often transitive

  • reconcile

    stronger — implies resolving conflict or disagreement, while 'harmonise' suggests making different things compatible

反義詞
  • clash

    for colours, styles, or personalities — the opposite of fitting together smoothly

  • conflict

    for plans, rules, or opinions — the opposite of being in agreement

文法句型

harmonise + noun phrase + with + noun phrase

harmonise with + noun phrase

用法筆記

More common than the musical sense in everyday and business contexts. The intransitive use ('A harmonises with B') describes natural compatibility; the transitive use ('harmonise A and B') describes active adjustment to make things fit.

常見錯誤

❌Their opinions harmonise' (opinions agree, so 'harmonise' can work, but 'are in harmony' or 'match' sound more natural).
✅Their goals harmonise perfectly with the company mission.
💡'harmonise' works best when there is deliberate alignment or natural complement, not just simple agreement.