Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Quartet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎶
Add to dictionary

quartet

[kwɔːˈtɛt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A group of four singers or musicians who perform together as a unit, especially in vocal or instrumental music.

Synonyms

ensemble, four-piece band, quadruple.

Examples of usage

  • The quartet performed a beautiful piece at the concert.
  • She joined a quartet to sing at the wedding.
  • The string quartet played a classical composition.
  • The jazz quartet entertained the audience with their improvisations.
  • The quartet harmonized perfectly during the performance.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

A set of four lines of poetry, especially one having a specific rhyme scheme.

Synonyms

quatrain, stanza, verse.

Examples of usage

  • The poet composed a quartet that followed an ABAB rhyme scheme.
  • Her quartet was praised for its lyrical beauty.
  • The sonnet consists of a quartet followed by a sestet.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, a quartet refers to four lines of poetry that create a stanza, adding depth to the poem's rhythm.
  • Famous works like Shakespeare's sonnets often use a four-line structure to convey complex emotions succinctly.

Music Theory

  • A traditional string quartet consists of two violins, a viola, and a cello, highlighting a blend of different musical ranges.
  • In jazz, quartets often feature a soloist accompanied by bass, drums, and keyboard, allowing for improvisational flair and interaction.

Pop Culture

  • The famous British pop band 'The Beatles' often functioned in quartet arrangements for their music.
  • Animated films like Disney's 'The Aristocats' feature musical quartets that entertain while showcasing character dynamics.

Science

  • In genetics, a 'quartet' can refer to a set of four homologous chromosomes, which is crucial for understanding inheritance.
  • Quartets are often used in biology to describe relationships and dynamics among four related species in evolutionary studies.

Origin of 'quartet'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'quartet' comes from the Italian word 'quartetto', meaning 'a group of four'.
  • It was first used in English around the 18th century, connecting with the popularity of music composed for four performers.

The word 'quartet' originated from the Italian word 'quartetto', which means 'a set of four'. It was first used in the early 18th century to refer to a musical composition for four voices or instruments. Over time, the term evolved to also describe a group of four performers in various fields, such as music, literature, and even dance. The concept of a quartet has remained popular due to the harmonious blend of four elements working together in unity.

See also: quart, quarter, quarto.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,325, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.