cognitive dissonance

American  

noun

Psychology.

1. anxiety or discomfort that results from simultaneously holding contradictory or otherwise incompatible attitudes, beliefs, or the like, such as when someone likes a person but disapproves strongly of one of their habits.

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cognitive dissonance British  

noun

1. psychol an uncomfortable mental state resulting from conflicting cognitions; usually resolved by changing some of the cognitions

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Etymology

Origin of cognitive dissonance

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

As if this wasn’t ominous enough, the latest BofA Securities fund-manager’s survey shows that Wall Street is, once again, experiencing severe cognitive dissonance: It is simultaneously worried about the market, but afraid to sell.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

I predicted this miserable state of affairs back in 2017, after interviewing psychology experts on cognitive dissonance.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2026

Then again, to anyone who has spent considerable time there, you’ll notice the strange cognitive dissonance among its cultural landscape.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2026

But as an owner, he’s prepared to tolerate a little cognitive dissonance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

They stared at him, at his face that was as blue as his hands, and they struggled—all save Thyon—with an overwhelming upsurge of cognitive dissonance.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor