Syncopated: meaning, definitions and examples

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syncopated

 

[ ˈsɪŋ.kə.peɪ.tɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

music rhythm

Syncopated refers to a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes off-beats or weak beats in a musical piece. This technique creates a feeling of surprise or tension, often making the music more engaging. It is commonly used in various music genres such as jazz, funk, and hip-hop.

Synonyms

displaced, irregular, offbeat

Examples of usage

  • The jazz band played a syncopated rhythm that had everyone dancing.
  • Her tap dance routine featured syncopated steps that captivated the audience.
  • The composer included syncopated melodies to give the piece a lively feel.

Translations

Translations of the word "syncopated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sincopado

🇮🇳 सिंकोपेटेड

🇩🇪 synkopiert

🇮🇩 sinkopasi

🇺🇦 синкопований

🇵🇱 synkopowany

🇯🇵 シンコペーション

🇫🇷 syncopé

🇪🇸 síncopa

🇹🇷 senkopeli

🇰🇷 싱코페이션

🇸🇦 مزامير

🇨🇿 syncopovaný

🇸🇰 synkopovaný

🇨🇳 切分的

🇸🇮 sinkopiran

🇮🇸 sínkopaður

🇰🇿 синкопирленген

🇬🇪 სინკოპირებული

🇦🇿 sinkopasiya

🇲🇽 síncopa

Etymology

The term 'syncopated' originates from the Greek word 'synkope', which means 'a cutting off'. In music, it describes the technique of shifting the normal accents from the strongly marked beats to the weak ones, creating a disruption in the regular rhythm pattern. This practice dates back to ancient musical traditions and became increasingly popular with the evolution of Western classical music and later genres. In the 19th century, syncopation was prominently featured in ragtime music and later in jazz, contributing to the unique sound and feel of these styles. Over time, syncopation has become a staple in various music genres, allowing composers and musicians to add complexity and dynamism to their work.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,053 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.