Music: meaning, definitions and examples

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music

[ˈmjuːzɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

listening

Music is the art of arranging sounds in time to produce a composition through the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre. It is a form of expression that can evoke emotions and communicate ideas.

Synonyms

melody, song, tune.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
music	General term for sound that is organized in time, typically including notes, rhythm, and melody. It can be used to talk about any genre or style of harmonious sound. I love listening to music while I work. Classical music can be very relaxing.
melody	Refers specifically to the sequence of notes that are musically satisfying, often the most memorable or singable part of a piece of music. The melody of the song stuck in my head all day. She played a beautiful melody on the piano.
tune	Can mean the same as melody, but is often used informally to refer to any piece of music, especially in casual contexts. That's a catchy tune! He can't stop humming that tune.
song	Typically refers to a piece of music that includes lyrics and is usually sung by a person or a group. It can be any musical composition with vocal parts. That is my favorite song on the album. She wrote a new song about her travels.

Examples of usage

Playing the piano is a way to create beautiful music.
She enjoys listening to classical music while studying.
The concert featured a wide range of music genres.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

performance

Music is also a form of entertainment that is performed live or recorded. It can be a source of enjoyment and relaxation for people of all ages.

Synonyms

livestream, performance, recording.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
music	General term for organized sound that is structured and is usually pleasing to listen to. It can be used in almost any context when referring to sounds created by instruments or voices. I love listening to classical music. Music can change your mood instantly.
performance	Typically refers to a presentation of a form of entertainment, often live, such as a musical concert, play, or dance. Emphasizes the act of presenting art in front of an audience. The band gave an unforgettable performance last night. Her performance in the play was outstanding.
livestream	Used when referring to broadcasting an event live over the internet in real time. Common in online performances or events where viewers watch through a digital platform. Join us for a livestream of the concert tonight. They decided to livestream their wedding ceremony for friends who couldn't attend.
recording	Refers to capturing sound or video for future playback. Used when talking about music, videos, or any audio-visual content that is saved and can be replayed later. I have a recording of last night's concert. She listened to the recording of her favorite song.

Examples of usage

The band played live music at the event.
She danced to the music playing in the background.
People gathered to listen to the street musician play music.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

education

Music can also refer to the academic study or practice of creating and performing music. It involves learning about music theory, history, and techniques.

Synonyms

musical education, musical theory, musicology.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
music	General use to describe the art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. I love listening to music. Her favorite hobby is creating music on her guitar.
musical education	Used to discuss formal or informal education in music, such as learning to play an instrument, sing, or understand musical theory. She received her musical education at a prestigious conservatory. Musical education is vital for a well-rounded development.
musical theory	Specific term used to refer to the study of the practices and possibilities of music, including the study of scales, chords, and harmony. He's studying musical theory to improve his composition skills. Musical theory helps musicians understand the structure of the pieces they play.
musicology	Technical term used to refer to the scholarly analysis and research-based study of music, often for academic purposes. She is pursuing a PhD in musicology. His research in musicology focuses on the music of the Renaissance period.

Examples of usage

She is majoring in music at university.
The music class teaches students how to read sheet music.
He is a music teacher who helps students develop their musical talents.

Translations

Translations of the word "music" in other languages:

🇵🇹 música

🇮🇳 संगीत

🇩🇪 Musik

🇮🇩 musik

🇺🇦 музика

🇵🇱 muzyka

🇯🇵 音楽

🇫🇷 musique

🇪🇸 música

🇹🇷 müzik

🇰🇷 음악

🇸🇦 موسيقى

🇨🇿 hudba

🇸🇰 hudba

🇨🇳 音乐

🇸🇮 glasba

🇮🇸 tónlist

🇰🇿 музыка

🇬🇪 მუსიკა

🇦🇿 musiqi

🇲🇽 música

Etymology

The word 'music' originated from the Greek word 'mousikē' which means the art of the Muses. Music has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, with evidence of musical instruments dating back to prehistoric times. It has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of genres and styles, reflecting the diversity of human expression and emotion.

See also: musical, musicality, musically, musician, musicology.

Word Frequency Rank

At #960 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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957 rise
958 merely
959 dead
960 music
961 spirit
962 properties
963 worked
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