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Acoustic: meaning, definitions and examples

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acoustic

 

[əˈkuːstɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sound quality

Relating to sound or the sense of hearing.

Synonyms

auditory, sonic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acoustic

This term often relates to the quality and properties of sound in a room or environment, usually in terms of how sound is absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. It is commonly used in contexts such as music, engineering, and architecture.

  • The acoustic properties of the concert hall are perfect for orchestral performances.
  • We need to improve the acoustic insulation in this room to reduce noise.
auditory

This word is used when referring to things related to the sense of hearing or the process of perceiving sound. It is often found in medical, psychological, and educational contexts.

  • The patient has an auditory processing disorder that affects their ability to understand speech.
  • The auditory system of the brain is responsible for interpreting sound waves.
sonic

This term is typically used for high-speed sound waves or anything pertaining to sound in terms of speed or technology. It often appears in scientific, musical, and technological contexts.

  • The jet broke the sonic barrier, causing a loud boom.
  • They explored the sonic capabilities of the new music synthesizer.

Examples of usage

  • The acoustic guitar sounded beautiful in the concert hall.
  • The acoustic properties of the room made it ideal for recording music.
Context #2 | Noun

music

A musical instrument that does not require electronic amplification to produce sound.

Synonyms

acoustic guitar, unplugged.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acoustic

Refers to sound or music that is produced naturally without electrical amplification. This term is often used to describe instruments or settings that emphasize natural sound quality.

  • The hall has a wonderful acoustic environment, perfect for orchestral concerts.
  • She prefers acoustic versions of songs because they sound more raw and genuine.
unplugged

Describes a performance that uses only acoustic instruments and no electric amplification. Often used to create an intimate atmosphere and highlight the raw musical talent of the artist.

  • The band performed an unplugged set at the small café, bringing a cozy feel to the evening.
  • Her unplugged session revealed the true beauty of the songs without the usual heavy production.
acoustic guitar

A type of guitar that produces sound acoustically, utilizing the body of the instrument to amplify the sound of its strings without the need for electrical amplification.

  • He bought an acoustic guitar to play at the campfire.
  • The musician prefers the rich, warm tones of an acoustic guitar for his ballads.

Examples of usage

  • She played the acoustic at the open mic night.
  • The band decided to go unplugged and perform with only acoustic instruments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'akoustikos,' which means 'able to be heard.'
  • It entered English from French in the early 19th century, showing its deep roots in the study of sound.
  • The Greek root 'akouo' translates to 'I hear,' emphasizing the connection of the word to sound.

Science

  • Sound travels as waves through air, and 'acoustic' studies how these sound waves behave in different environments.
  • Acoustic properties of materials can influence how sound is absorbed or reflected, which is crucial in designing concert halls.
  • Research into animal communication often involves acoustic analysis, understanding how species use sound to communicate.

Music

  • Acoustic music typically refers to performances that use non-electronic instruments, like guitars or pianos.
  • The 'acoustic' guitar is famous for its hollow body, allowing it to amplify sound naturally without electronics.
  • Many musicians prefer acoustic performances for the intimate connection it creates with their audience.

Technology

  • In recent years, acoustic technologies have been developed to improve audio quality in devices like smartphones and headphones.
  • Acoustic research contributes to innovations in noise-cancellation technology, enhancing how people experience sound.
  • Ultrasonic acoustic waves are used in medical imaging, showcasing the word's relevance in advanced technology.

Education

  • Acoustic principles are often taught in physics, helping students understand wave behavior and sound dynamics.
  • Many classrooms use acoustic panels to reduce noise and improve sound quality for better learning environments.
  • Teachers may use acoustic instruments in lessons to engage students with sound and music education.

Translations

Translations of the word "acoustic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acústico

🇮🇳 ध्वनिक

🇩🇪 akustisch

🇮🇩 akustik

🇺🇦 акустичний

🇵🇱 akustyczny

🇯🇵 アコースティック (akōsutikkku)

🇫🇷 acoustique

🇪🇸 acústico

🇹🇷 akustik

🇰🇷 음향의 (eumhyang-ui)

🇸🇦 صوتي (sawti)

🇨🇿 akustický

🇸🇰 akustický

🇨🇳 声学的 (shēngxué de)

🇸🇮 akustičen

🇮🇸 hljóðfræðilegur

🇰🇿 акустикалық

🇬🇪 აკუსტიკური (ak'ust'ik'uri)

🇦🇿 akustik

🇲🇽 acústico

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,480 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.