Minuet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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minuet

[mɪn.juː.ɛt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

musical piece

A minuet is a slow, stately ballroom dance for two persons, typically in triple time. It originated in the late 16th century in France and was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. The minuet is often found in classical music as a movement in a suite or sonata.

Synonyms

courante, dance, waltz.

Examples of usage

  • The orchestra played a minuet during the gala.
  • She learned to dance the minuet for her history class.
  • Composers like Bach and Mozart included minuets in their symphonies.

Translations

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Origin of 'minuet'

The term 'minuet' comes from the French word 'menuet', which means 'small' or 'slender', referring to the lightness and gracefulness of the dance. The word can be traced back to the Latin 'minutus', which also means 'small'. The minuet rose to prominence as a social dance in European courts during the Baroque period, evolving from various folk dances. Its structured pattern of movements and pivot turns made it an elegant expression of social etiquette. As European music evolved, the minuet influenced the development of other dance forms and was commonly incorporated into classical compositions as a formal movement. Notable composers, including Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, utilized the minuet in their symphonic works, establishing its significance in classical music history.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,213, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.