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Timbre Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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timbre

[ˈtæmbər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound quality

The character or quality of a musical sound or voice as distinct from its pitch and intensity.

Synonyms

color, quality, tone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
timbre

Timbre refers to the unique quality or character of a sound, particularly in terms of musical instruments or voices. It helps in distinguishing different sounds that have the same pitch and loudness.

  • The timbre of the violin is rich and warm
  • Each musician has a unique timbre to their voice
tone

Tone refers to the particular pitch or the emotional character of a sound or piece of music. It can also refer to the mood set by a musical piece or spoken words.

  • His tone was very serious when he gave the speech
  • The tone of the flute was light and airy
quality

Quality is a more general term used to describe the overall characteristics or attributes of a sound, not limited to its aesthetic aspects. It can be applied to voice, music, or any audio.

  • The recording had excellent sound quality
  • She has a good quality of voice for radio
color

Color in this context is used metaphorically to describe the vividness, richness, or emotional impact of a sound or piece of music.

  • The orchestra added a lot of color to the symphony
  • Her voice has a lot of color when she sings

Examples of usage

  • The timbre of her voice was both soothing and mesmerizing.
  • The timbre of the violin was rich and full.
Context #2 | Noun

musical instruments

The quality given to a sound by its overtones; also: the resonance by which the ear recognizes and identifies a voiced speech sound.

Synonyms

resonance, sound quality, tone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
timbre

Used to describe the unique quality or character of a sound, usually in terms of auditory perception, particularly with musical instruments or voices.

  • The timbre of her voice is so warm and soothing.
  • Different materials of a guitar can change its timbre significantly.
tone

Refers to the particular quality, pitch, or character of a sound, often used in relation to music, speech, or writing. Can also refer to the attitude conveyed by words.

  • His tone of voice was harsh and unfriendly.
  • The guitar has a rich, deep tone.
sound quality

General term used to describe how good or bad a sound is. It can be applied to various contexts, including music, speech, and recordings.

  • The sound quality of this new speaker is amazing.
  • Poor sound quality can ruin the experience of watching a movie.
resonance

Often refers to the prolongation and amplification of sound, especially in enclosed spaces or within objects. It can also describe the emotional impact or richness in sound.

  • The resonance in the hall made the singer's voice sound even more powerful.
  • His words had a resonance that stayed with her long after he spoke.

Examples of usage

  • The timbre of the orchestra was exceptional, with each instrument blending perfectly.
  • His piano playing had a unique timbre that captivated the audience.

Translations

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Origin of 'timbre'

The word 'timbre' originated from the French word 'tympan,' meaning 'drum,' which later evolved to 'timbre' in the musical sense. It has been used in English since the mid-19th century to describe the unique quality or tone color of a sound. The concept of timbre is essential in music and linguistics to distinguish between different sounds and voices.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,881, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.