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Lute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽถ
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lute

[luหt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

musical instrument

A lute is a stringed musical instrument that has a deep round back and a fretted neck. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum. The lute was a prominent instrument in Europe from the late Middle Ages to the early Baroque period.

Synonyms

liut, string instrument.

Examples of usage

  • She played a beautiful melody on her lute.
  • The lute was a popular choice for courtly music.
  • He studied the art of lute playing for years.
  • They performed a baroque suite on the lute.
Context #2 | Verb

to play music

To lute means to play the lute or to perform music that is characteristic of lute playing. This verb form is less commonly used but can refer to the act of making music with this particular instrument.

Synonyms

perform, play.

Examples of usage

  • He luted for hours during the festival.
  • They luted songs from the Renaissance era.
  • She loves to lute at family gatherings.

Translations

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

Origin of 'lute'

The word 'lute' originates from the Middle English term 'lute,' which itself comes from the Old French 'lut,' derived from the Arabic 'al-สพลซd' (ุงู„ุนูˆุฏ), meaning 'the wood.' The instrument is believed to have been introduced to Europe through the Moorish influence on the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. The lute became highly popular in the 15th and 16th centuries, particularly in the courts and among the aristocracy, often associated with accompanying singers and providing instrumental music in various genres. By the late 17th century, the popularity of the lute began to decline due to the rise of the violin and other baroque instruments, leading to its eventual obscurity in modern music. However, it remains an important historical instrument, still studied and played by enthusiasts and scholars of early music.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,362, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.