Polyphonic: meaning, definitions and examples

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polyphonic

 

[ ˌpɒl.iˈfɒn.ɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

music

Consisting of many voices or sounds simultaneously. Polyphonic music involves multiple independent melody lines played or sung together.

Synonyms

contrapuntal, harmonic, multipart

Examples of usage

  • His composition showcased the beauty of polyphonic harmonies.
  • The choir performed a stunning polyphonic piece at the concert.

Translations

Translations of the word "polyphonic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polifônico

🇮🇳 बहुस्वर

🇩🇪 polyphon

🇮🇩 polifonik

🇺🇦 поліфонічний

🇵🇱 polifoniczny

🇯🇵 ポリフォニック (porifonikku)

🇫🇷 polyphonique

🇪🇸 polifónico

🇹🇷 polifonik

🇰🇷 폴리포니 (polliponi)

🇸🇦 متعدد الأصوات

🇨🇿 polyfonní

🇸🇰 polyfonický

🇨🇳 多音的 (duōyīnde)

🇸🇮 polifoničen

🇮🇸 fjölradda

🇰🇿 полифониялы

🇬🇪 პოლიფონიური (poliponiuri)

🇦🇿 polifonik

🇲🇽 polifónico

Etymology

The word 'polyphonic' originates from the Greek words 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'phōnē' meaning 'sound'. The term was first used in the context of music in the 16th century during the Renaissance period. Polyphonic music became popular during this time as composers experimented with multiple independent melody lines to create rich harmonies.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,271, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.