Tools: Learn New Words | Secure Password Generator | Startup Tools | PDF Generator

Syncopation (Noun)

A musical rhythm accenting a normally weak beat.

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

The jazz drummer's use of syncopation added a complex layer of rhythm to the song, making it more interesting to listen to.
The composer intentionally used syncopation in the melody to create a sense of tension and release.
The syncopation in the salsa music made it impossible to sit still, as the accent on the off-beat rhythms made everyone want to dance.
The syncopation in the hip-hop song's beat was so infectious that it quickly became a hit on the charts.
The musician's piano solo relied heavily on syncopation, creating a dynamic and exciting rhythmic effect that showcased her technical skill.

Music (especially dance music) that has a syncopated rhythm.

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

The DJ's use of syncopation in the electronic dance track added an extra layer of complexity to the rhythm.
The jazz band's drummer was a master of syncopation, often emphasizing off-beat rhythms to create a sense of tension.
The syncopation in the salsa music made it impossible to sit still, as the irregular rhythms seemed to pull the dancers' bodies into motion.
The composer's use of syncopation in the orchestral piece added a sense of playfulness and unpredictability to the melody.
The hip-hop artist's lyrics were full of syncopation, with unexpected pauses and emphasis on off-beat syllables that added to the song's rhythmic interest.

(phonology) the loss of sounds from within a word (as in `fo'c'sle' for `forecastle').

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

The pronunciation of "police" as "po-lice" is an example of syncopation, where the sound of the letter "i" is lost.
In some dialects of English, the word "government" is pronounced with syncopation, as "gov'ment".
The word "fo'c'sle" is a classic example of syncopation, where the sounds of the letters "r" and "e" are lost from the original word "forecastle".
Syncopation is a common feature of informal speech, as in the pronunciation of "business" as "bidness".
The word "cupboard" is often pronounced with syncopation, as "cupboard" is reduced to "cubbard" or "cuboard" in rapid speech.