Baroque: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽป
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baroque

 

[ bษ™หˆrษ™สŠk ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

art music

The Baroque period in music history lasted from approximately 1600 to 1750. It is characterized by ornate melodies, intricate harmonies, and elaborate ornamentation.

Synonyms

elaborate, intricate, ornate.

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Word Description / Examples
baroque

Often used to describe a style in art, architecture, and music that is characterized by extravagant detail and complexity, typically from the Baroque period (1600-1750).

  • The baroque architecture of the cathedral draws many tourists
  • The composer is known for his baroque musical pieces
ornate

Used when something is decorated in a very detailed or elaborate way, often excessively so, giving a sense of richness or a luxurious appearance.

  • The room had an ornate ceiling, covered in gold and silver details
  • She wore an ornate necklace that sparkled in the light
elaborate

Used to describe something that is detailed and complicated in design or planning; often used in everyday contexts where something is meticulously detailed or complex.

  • She wore an elaborate dress to the wedding
  • The plan for the new park is very elaborate
intricate

Best used to describe something that has many small parts or details and is difficult to understand or resolve because of this complexity.

  • The intricate patterns on the tapestry are fascinating
  • Solving this puzzle requires understanding its intricate mechanics

Examples of usage

  • The Baroque era produced masterpieces by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel.
  • Baroque music often features a basso continuo and a strong sense of drama and emotion.
Context #2 | Adjective

architecture

Baroque architecture is known for its grandeur, opulence, and dramatic use of light and shadow. It emerged in the late 16th century and was popular in Europe until the mid-18th century.

Synonyms

elaborate, opulent, ornate.

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Word Description / Examples
baroque

Typically used to describe a highly detailed and extravagant style in art, architecture, and music from the Baroque period (17th and early 18th centuries).

  • The cathedral's baroque architecture was breathtaking, with its intricate details and dramatic curves
  • The composer wrote a beautiful baroque concerto
ornate

Refers to something that is heavily decorated with complex patterns and designs, usually in a way that is visually impressive.

  • The ornate frame of the mirror was covered in gold leaf and intricate carvings
  • She admired the ornate detail on the wedding cake
elaborate

Used to describe something that is very detailed and complicated, often in a way that shows a lot of effort and care.

  • She wore an elaborate costume with many layers and intricate designs
  • The plan was quite elaborate, involving multiple steps and contingencies
opulent

Best used to describe something that is luxurious and expensive, often to the point of being excessive.

  • They lived in an opulent mansion filled with exquisite furniture and artworks
  • The banquet featured opulent dishes and rare wines

Examples of usage

  • The Palace of Versailles in France is a prime example of Baroque architecture.
  • Baroque buildings often have elaborate facades and intricate decorations.

Translations

Translations of the word "baroque" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น barroco

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคฐเฅ‹เค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช barock

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ barok

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะฐั€ะพะบะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ barokowy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใƒญใƒƒใ‚ฏ (barokku)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท baroque

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ barroco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท barok

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ”๋กœํฌ (barokeu)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุงุฑูˆูƒ (barok)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ baroknรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ barokovรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅทดๆด›ๅ…‹ (bฤluรฒkรจ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ baroฤni

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ barokk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐั€ะพะบะบะพ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒ แƒแƒ™แƒ (baroko)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ barokko

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ barroco

Etymology

The term 'Baroque' is believed to have originated from the Portuguese word 'barroco', which means irregularly shaped or imperfect pearl. It was initially used in a derogatory manner to describe the overly ornate and exaggerated style of art and architecture that characterized the period. However, over time, the Baroque style came to be appreciated for its drama, emotion, and intricate beauty.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,245, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.