Ballad Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ถ
ballad
[หbรฆl.ษd ]
Definitions
music
A ballad is a song or poem that tells a story, often about love or adventure. Ballads are typically slow-paced and emotional, with a simple melody and lyrics that are easy to remember.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ballad |
Usually refers to a narrative poem or song that tells a story, often dealing with dramatic or romantic themes. Typically has a repeated refrain.
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| song |
A piece of music performed by a singer, usually with instrumental accompaniment. It has a melody and often includes lyrics.
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| poem |
A broad term that describes a piece of writing that often uses meter, rhyme, or free verse to evoke emotions and convey ideas. Poems can be of various lengths and formats.
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| lyric |
Typically refers to the words of a song, focusing on the emotional and personal content. It can also describe a type of personal, expressive poetry.
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Examples of usage
- She sang a beautiful ballad about lost love.
- The troubadour performed a traditional ballad at the medieval fair.
literature
In literature, a ballad is a narrative poem that is often set to music. Ballads are characterized by their simple language, repetitive structure, and focus on a specific event or legend.
Synonyms
folk song, narrative poem, verse.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ballad |
A ballad often tells a story through simple and emotionally appealing lyrics. It's usually associated with a sentimental or romantic theme.
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| narrative poem |
A narrative poem highlights detailed storytelling through verse. It usually has a structured form, with a plot, characters, and a sequence of events.
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| folk song |
A folk song is typically a traditional song passed down through generations, often reflecting cultural themes and village life. It is simple and informal.
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| verse |
Verse refers to a single line of poetry or a section of a poem, often emphasizing rhythm and meter. Itโs a generic term for poetic composition.
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Examples of usage
- The ballad of Robin Hood is a famous example of a narrative poem.
- She wrote a haunting ballad about the ghostly figure in the castle.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'ballad' comes from the Old French 'ballade,' which meant a dancing song.
- Ballads emerged in medieval Europe and were passed down orally before being written down, making them a crucial part of folk culture.
- Many early ballads were about real-life events, like battles and love stories, helping people remember their history.
Literature
- In literature, ballads often follow a rhyme scheme and use a rhythmic pattern, making them easy to remember and sing.
- Famous poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth used the ballad form to explore themes of nature and humanity in their works.
- Ballads have a conversational tone, which invites listeners into the story, making them relatable and engaging.
Pop Culture
- Many popular music artists create ballads today, highlighting emotions and personal stories, like Adele and Ed Sheeran.
- Ballads frequently appear in movies and television shows, often set during romantic or dramatic moments to enhance storytelling.
- The ballad form has evolved with pop music, leading to the creation of power ballads that emphasize strong emotions and vocal performance.
Music
- Musical ballads typically feature simple melodies and are often accompanied by soft instruments, creating an intimate listening experience.
- There are various styles of ballads across cultures, from the American folk ballad tradition to the traditional Spanish romance, each with unique storytelling elements.
- Ballads often explore universal themes like love, loss, and longing, making them timeless and relatable for many generations.
Psychology
- Listening to ballads can evoke strong emotions, as the combination of storytelling and music connects deeply with listenersโ feelings.
- The narrative structure of ballads helps people process their own experiences by relating to the experiences depicted in the songs.
- Research suggests that music, including ballads, can serve as a form of emotional expression and coping mechanism for many people.
Origin of 'ballad'
The word 'ballad' originated from the French word 'ballade', which came from the Old Provenรงal word 'ballada' meaning 'a dance song'. Ballads have been a popular form of storytelling and music for centuries, with roots in folk traditions and oral history. They have been used to pass down legends, recount historical events, and express emotions through music and poetry.
See also: ball, ballet, ballgame, ballot, ballpark, ballroom, balls.