an uncomfortable mental state resulting from conflicting cognitions; usually resolved by changing some of the cognitions
cognitive dissonance in American English
the confused mental condition that results from holding incongruous, often mutually contradictory, beliefs simultaneously
cognitive dissonance in American English
noun
Psychology
anxiety that results from simultaneously holding contradictory or otherwise incompatible attitudes, beliefs, or the like, as when one likes a person but disapproves strongly of one of his or her habits
Word origin
[1960–65]This word is first recorded in the period 1960–65. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: bicycle kick, disco, power play, tag question, zip code
Examples of 'cognitive dissonance' in a sentence
cognitive dissonance
Cognitive dissonance, perhaps — trying to live rationally despite the galloping irrationality.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
To many, this seemed odd, but psychologists recognised the symptoms of cognitive dissonance.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
First-class rail tickets for dedicated egalitarians are a comic example of cognitive dissonance.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In my family, such cognitive dissonance is not confined to my grandmother.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Sooner or later, though, comes the jolt of cognitive dissonance.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
At the moment he suffers from corporate cognitive dissonance.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Ninety per cent of the problems of humanity, it seemed, stemmed from a simple cognitive dissonance: refusing to acknowledge that this is it.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
But there is only a brief footnote on cognitive dissonance, as one way of thinking about the contradictory beliefs of people.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
The encounter was a notable demonstration of rationality versus cognitive dissonance, of an open mind versus one that was sealed shut.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
This cognitive dissonance - so terribly human - is exacerbated because climate change is an international problem, which must be solved globally.