Polyphonic (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Having two or more independent but harmonically related melodic parts sounding together.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The choir's rendition of the Bach fugue showcased their ability to blend individual voices into a rich polyphonic sound.
- In polyphonic music, each singer or instrumentalist plays a unique melodic line that weaves together with the others to create a complex texture.
- The Renaissance motet was a classic example of polyphonic music, with interlocking melodic lines that created a sense of depth and dimension.
- The polyphonic nature of the composition allowed the composer to explore a wide range of emotions and moods through the interaction of the different melodic parts.
- The Baroque era saw a flourishing of polyphonic music, with composers like Handel and Vivaldi creating intricate and beautiful works that showcased the interplay of multiple melodic lines.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Meaning 2
Having two or more phonetic values; "polyphonic letters such as `a'".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The polyphonic nature of the letter "c" in the English language often leads to confusion for non-native speakers as it can be pronounced as /k/ or /s/.
- In many languages, the letter "x" is polyphonic, representing different sounds depending on the context in which it is used.
- The polyphonic letters in the English alphabet can make it difficult for language learners to master the correct pronunciation of words.
- The letter "g" is polyphonic in English, as it can be pronounced as a hard /g/ sound or a soft /ʤ/ sound, depending on the word.
- The polyphonic nature of certain consonant letters is a reflection of the complex history of the English language and its influences from various other languages.
Related Words
Meaning 3
Of or relating to or characterized by polyphony; "polyphonic traditions of the baroque".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The composer's polyphonic textures created a complex and layered soundscape that was both beautiful and challenging to listen to.
- Medieval liturgical music often featured polyphonic chanting, where multiple melodies were sung simultaneously.
- Bach's polyphonic inventions for keyboard instruments are renowned for their intricate and innovative use of counterpoint.
- In the 1950s, a new generation of jazz musicians began experimenting with polyphonic harmonies, creating a distinctive and modern sound.
- The choir's polyphonic arrangement of the folk song allowed each singer to add their own unique voice to the overall texture, creating a rich and dynamic sound.