Meaning & use
cognitive dissonance
The mental discomfort felt when holding two contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes at the same time.
See it in a sentence
She felt cognitive dissonance after criticizing waste while buying more than she needed.
Smokers who know the health risks often experience cognitive dissonance every time they light up.
A note on using this word
People typically resolve cognitive dissonance by changing a belief, adding a justification, or minimizing the conflict's importance.
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