Harmonizar

Harmonizar is a Portuguese verb meaning to bring into harmony, to make compatible, or to coordinate elements so that they function together. The term is used in a variety of contexts where disparate parts must align to achieve coherence or operability. It can refer to music, law and regulation, and data or policy alignment.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin harmonizare, from Greek harmonia, reflecting the root sense of concord and balance.

Music: In music, to harmonize a melody means to provide chords and accompanying voices that support the melodic line. The process, termed harmonização, involves selecting a chord progression, arranging voices, and observing voice leading to create a coherent vertical harmony without obscuring the tune. It is central to arrangements, ensembles, and vocal music, and can be done by composers, arrangers, or algorithmic tools.

Regulatory and data contexts: In regulatory, policy, and technical domains, harmonizar means aligning norms, standards, or procedures across jurisdictions or organizations to reduce conflicts, facilitate trade, and enable interoperability. Examples include harmonization of technical standards, pharmaceutical regulations, data protection rules, and consumer protections. In information science, data harmonization refers to aligning data from multiple sources by standardizing formats, codings, and units to enable integrated analysis.

See also: Harmony, Harmonization.