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Harmonic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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harmonic

[hɑːˈmɒnɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

music

Relating to or characterized by harmony.

Synonyms

consonant, melodic, tuneful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harmonic

Best used when discussing music theory or complex interactions between different notes and sounds. Can also apply to broader contexts like physics.

  • The musicians focused on creating a harmonic balance between the different instruments.
  • The harmonic vibrations of the tuning fork helped them synchronize their instruments.
melodic

Used specifically when describing sequences of notes that are particularly tuneful and pleasant to listen to. It emphasizes the melody rather than harmony.

  • Her voice was sweet and melodic, captivating everyone in the room.
  • The song features a melodic guitar solo that lingers in your mind.
consonant

Ideal when talking about sounds that are in agreement or fit well together, both in music and more abstract contexts like ideas or relationships. This term often implies a state of harmony.

  • The chord progression was consonant, providing a sense of resolution.
  • Their opinions were surprisingly consonant, leading to a smooth collaboration.
tuneful

Best used when describing music or sounds that are pleasant, catchy, and easy to sing along with. Often used in a more casual or everyday context.

  • The children's choir performed a tuneful rendition of the classic song.
  • Whistling a tuneful melody, she walked through the park.

Examples of usage

  • The choir sang in perfect harmonic blend.
  • The pianist played a series of harmonic chords.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

A wave having a frequency that is an integral multiple of a fundamental frequency.

Synonyms

overtones, partials, resonances.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harmonic

This word is repeated. Refer to the context and examples of the first 'harmonic'.
overtones

Use in music to describe additional frequencies that are multiples of the fundamental frequency, adding to the richness and complexity of a sound.

  • The singer's voice was full of rich overtones that captivated the audience.
  • By adjusting the mouthpiece, the trumpeter could control the overtones produced.
partials

Typically used in music and acoustics to refer to any component of a sound, including both harmonic and inharmonic components. More technical term than 'overtones'.

  • Analyzing the partials helps in understanding the tone quality of an instrument.
  • The synthesizer allowed the user to manipulate individual partials for unique sound creation.
resonances

Commonly used in both physics and music to describe the phenomenon where a system naturally amplifies frequencies that match its own natural frequencies.

  • The auditorium was designed to enhance acoustic resonances for clearer sound.
  • He could feel the floor vibrate with resonances when the bass guitar played.

Examples of usage

  • Sound waves are made up of multiple harmonics.
  • The harmonic oscillator is an important concept in physics.
Context #3 | Noun

mathematics

A number which is a multiple of a given number without a remainder.

Synonyms

divisible, evenly divisible, multiple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harmonic

Use when referring to harmonic sequences or proportions, often in mathematics, music, or physics. It denotes a relationship where elements are combined in a way that is pleasing or consistent.

  • The two musicians created a harmonic melody that soothed the audience.
  • In mathematics, a harmonic series is an infinite series of the form 1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + 1/4 + ... .
multiple

Use when referring to a number that is the product of one number and an integer. It is common in mathematical and everyday contexts to describe quantities.

  • 15 is a multiple of 5.
  • Multiples of 7 include 7, 14, 21, 28, and so on.
divisible

Use when describing a number that can be divided by another number without leaving a remainder. This is a basic term in arithmetic and is useful in mathematical contexts.

  • 12 is divisible by 3.
  • In order for a number to be divisible by 2, it must be even.
evenly divisible

Specify when a number can be divided by another number exactly, with no remainder. This term emphasizes the precise, complete division, often used in more technical or detailed mathematical discussions.

  • 24 is evenly divisible by 6.
  • Any even number is evenly divisible by 2.

Examples of usage

  • 15 is a harmonic of 5.
  • The concept of harmonic mean is used in statistics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music Theory

  • Harmonics can refer to overtones that occur alongside a fundamental tone, creating richer sounds.
  • Musicians often use harmonic scales to create melodies that evoke emotions and feelings.
  • The harmonic series in music theory plays a crucial role in tuning systems across different cultures.

Science

  • In physics, harmonics describe the oscillations in sound waves that contribute to the timbre of an instrument.
  • The concept of harmonic motion describes movements that are smooth and repeat at regular intervals, like a swinging pendulum.
  • Harmonic frequencies are crucial in fields like telecommunications to ensure clear signal transmission.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that harmonious sounds can reduce stress and promote relaxation in listeners.
  • In therapy, music involving harmonic elements is often used to evoke feelings of calmness and joy.
  • The perception of harmony is linked to cultural influences, showing how background shapes our listening experiences.

Pop Culture

  • Many popular songs emphasize harmony, creating catchy melodies that resonate with listeners around the world.
  • Harmonic relationships between characters in movies often symbolize unity and togetherness, enhancing storyline depth.
  • Music groups like 'Harmonix' focus on creating tools for music-making that emphasize rich, harmonic interactions among sounds.

Origin of 'harmonic'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'harmonikos,' meaning 'musical' or 'skilled in harmony.'
  • It evolved through Latin before being adopted into English in the 19th century, reflecting its musical roots.
  • In mathematics, the term took on a new meaning, referring to parts that connect in pleasing ratios.

The word 'harmonic' originates from the Greek word 'harmonikos', meaning 'skilled in music'. It was first used in the 16th century to describe musical tones that are pleasing when heard together. Over time, the term expanded to physics and mathematics to represent related concepts of frequency multiples and mathematical proportions. Today, 'harmonic' is widely used across various fields to denote relationships of harmony and proportion.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,979 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.