Polyphony: meaning, definitions and examples

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polyphony

 

[ pษ™หˆlษชf(ษ™)ni ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

music

The style or technique of combining two or more independent melodies or parts to create a harmonious whole.

Synonyms

contrapuntal, counterpoint, harmony

Examples of usage

  • The composer used polyphony to create a rich and layered musical composition.
  • The choir displayed impressive polyphony during their performance.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

The use of multiple voices or perspectives in a literary work.

Synonyms

multiple perspectives, multivocality

Examples of usage

  • The novel employed polyphony by telling the story from various characters' viewpoints.
  • The play's polyphony allowed the audience to see the story unfold from different angles.

Translations

Translations of the word "polyphony" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น polifonia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคนเฅเคถเฅเคฐเฅเคคเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Polyphonie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ polifoni

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะปะธั„ะพะฝั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ polifonia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅคšๅฃฐ้Ÿณๆฅฝ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท polyphonie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ polifonรญa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท polifoni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‹ค์„ฑ์Œ์•…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุนุฏุฏ ุงู„ุฃุตูˆุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ polyfonie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ polyfรณnia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅค้Ÿณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ polifonija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ margtรณnlist

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบำฉะฟ ะดะฐัƒั‹ัั‚ั‹ะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ แƒแƒ•แƒแƒšแƒฎแƒ›แƒแƒ•แƒœแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ polifoniya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ polifonรญa

Word origin

The term 'polyphony' originated from the Greek words 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'phonฤ“' meaning 'voice'. It has been a fundamental aspect of music since ancient times, with early examples found in Gregorian chants and medieval motets. Polyphony evolved over the centuries, becoming a prominent feature in Renaissance vocal music and continuing to influence compositions in various genres. In literature, polyphony gained popularity in the 20th century with authors like Dostoevsky and Faulkner using multiple perspectives to create complex narratives.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,146, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.