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Sextet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sextet

[หˆsษ›kstษ›t ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A group of six musicians who perform together as an ensemble.

Synonyms

band, ensemble, group.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sextet

Use 'sextet' specifically when referring to a group of six musicians. It is a precise term often used in classical or jazz music settings.

  • The sextet performed a beautiful rendition of the jazz standard.
  • She is a member of a well-known classical sextet.
ensemble

The term 'ensemble' is used in a formal setting, often referring to a group of musicians, actors, or dancers. It implies collaboration and usually denotes a smaller group.

  • The theater ensemble received critical acclaim for their latest performance.
  • The string ensemble added a layer of sophistication to the evening's concert.
group

The word 'group' is very general and can refer to any collection of people, including musicians, friends, or professionals. It lacks the specificity of the other terms.

  • The group of friends decided to start a band.
  • She joined a study group to prepare for her exams.
band

The word 'band' is typically used for a group of musicians that perform popular music genres like rock, pop, or jazz. It has a casual and modern connotation.

  • The band is playing at the local club tonight.
  • He joined a rock band and started touring last year.

Examples of usage

  • The jazz sextet will be performing at the club tonight.
  • The string sextet sounded beautiful during the concert.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

A set of six lines of poetry, especially one forming a stanza.

Synonyms

poem, stanza, verse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sextet

This word is used when referring to a group of six people or things, often in the context of music or performance.

  • The jazz sextet played an amazing set last night.
  • He joined the sextet as their new vocalist.
stanza

A stanza is a grouped set of lines in a poem, usually set apart from others by a blank line or indentation. It is specifically used in the context of poetry and lyrics.

  • The poem's first stanza sets the scene of a quiet village.
  • Each stanza of his song conveys a different emotion.
verse

This word can refer to a single line of poetry, a stanza, or a section of a song. It is often used in both literary and musical contexts.

  • She recited the first verse of her favorite poem.
  • The chorus and verses of the song complement each other well.
poem

A poem is a piece of writing that expresses ideas or emotions in a metaphorical and often rhythmic way. It is usually used in a literary or artistic context.

  • She wrote a beautiful poem about love.
  • We studied ancient Greek poems in our literature class.

Examples of usage

  • The poem consists of several sextets that convey different emotions.
  • The poet's use of sextets adds a unique structure to the poem.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Music

  • Sextets are common in classical and jazz music, often consisting of different instruments or voices.
  • Famous sextets include compositions by composers like Beethoven and Schubert, who wrote significant works for six instruments.
  • In jazz, a sextet typically allows greater harmony and complexity than a smaller group, balancing creativity and structure.

Literature

  • In poetry, a sextet can refer to a stanza of six lines, often creating a thematic or structural break.
  • Writers and poets sometimes use sextets to explore a range of ideas within a compact form.
  • Famous examples of sextets can be found in the works of poets who play with rhythm and rhyme.

Cultural References

  • The concept of a 'sextet' appears in popular culture, including films and television, often portraying groups of six collaborating or competing.
  • Sextets have inspired various art forms, from dance groups to theatrical ensembles, highlighting teamwork and unity.
  • Some board games and sports offer 'sextet' categories, promoting teamwork among six participants.

Science

  • In biology, a sextet can refer to groups of six genes or organisms that share certain characteristics.
  • The number six is significant in various scientific principles, such as the six noble gases in chemistry, forming a complete group.
  • In mathematics, six is a perfect number, making sextets an interesting concept in both pure and applied math.

Origin of 'sextet'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sextus', meaning 'sixth'.
  • It has been used in English since the 19th century to refer to various groups of six.
  • Similar words include 'duet' for two and 'quartet' for four, showing a pattern of naming musical groups.

The word 'sextet' originated from the Latin word 'sextus', which means 'sixth'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, used to refer to a group of six musicians performing together. Over time, the term expanded to include other contexts such as literature, where it refers to a set of six lines of poetry. The versatility of 'sextet' has made it a common term in both musical and literary circles.

See also: sex, sexiness, sexist, sexual, sexy.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,850 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.