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Meaning & use

be in harmony

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/biː ɪn ˈhɑːməni/
US/biː ɪn ˈhɑːrməni/

Meanings

  1. phraselinking

    to live or work together in a peaceful and friendly way, without fighting or disagreeing

    Grammar: Used with the verb 'be' plus the prepositional phrase 'in harmony'. Often followed by 'with' and a person or group.

    Patterns

    • be in harmony with someone
    • live in harmony
    • be in harmony with each other

    The two communities have learned to be in harmony after years of conflict.

    For a team to succeed, its members must be in harmony with one another.

    The couple tries to be in harmony even when they have different opinions.

  2. phraselinking

    to look, sound, or taste good together because the parts combine well

    Grammar: Used about colors, designs, flavors, or musical notes. Often followed by 'with'.

    Patterns

    • be in harmony with something
    • colors that are in harmony
    • be in harmony with the surroundings

    The new building is in harmony with the old houses around it.

    The spices in this dish are in harmony, not competing with each other.

    Her voice and the piano were in perfect harmony.

  3. phraselinkingformal

    to agree with a rule, idea, or system so that there is no conflict

    Grammar: Formal or academic. Usually followed by 'with' and an abstract noun like 'law', 'principle', or 'nature'.

    Patterns

    • be in harmony with something
    • be in harmony with the law
    • be in harmony with nature

    The company's actions must be in harmony with environmental regulations.

    His theory is in harmony with recent scientific findings.

    Traditional farming methods were in harmony with the natural cycles.

Common combinations

live in harmony
People of different faiths live in harmony in this city.
be in harmony with nature
The eco-village tries to be in harmony with nature.
be in perfect harmony
The two singers were in perfect harmony.
be in harmony with each other
The design and function are in harmony with each other.

Synonyms and how they differ

be at peace
Focuses on a state of calm and lack of conflict; 'be in harmony' often suggests active agreement or good combination, especially with 'with'.
be in agreement
More formal and specific to opinions or decisions; 'be in harmony' can also describe aesthetic or musical fit.
be compatible
Often used for machines, software, or personalities; it stresses that things can work together without problems, while 'be in harmony' sounds more emotional or artistic.

Opposites

be in conflictbe at odds

Word family

harmonious adjective
Peaceful and without disagreement; forming a pleasing whole.
harmonize verb
To make things work or sound well together.
harmony noun
A state of peaceful agreement or a pleasing combination of sounds.

Commonly confused: be in harmony or be in a harmony?

be in harmony vs be in a harmony

The phrase is fixed and does not take 'a'. Say 'be in harmony', not 'be in a harmony'.

Practice

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