a cappella

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The term "a cappella" is an Italian phrase that means "in the manner of the chapel." In English, it refers to music that is sung without any instruments. Here’s a simple breakdown of the word and its uses:

Basic Definition:

• As an adjective: It describes music that is sung without any musical instruments. For example, "They sang an a cappella mass," means they sang the mass using only their voices.
• As an adverb: It describes how something is performed without instruments. For example, "They performed a cappella," means they performed using only their voices.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "a cappella" when talking about singing groups, choirs, or performances where no instruments are used. It is often used in music contexts.

Examples:

1. Adjective: "The choir gave an a cappella performance at the concert."
2. Adverb: "The students decided to sing a cappella during the school talent show."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced contexts, "a cappella" can refer to specific styles of singing, like in modern pop where singers may mimic instrumental sounds with their voices. Some groups, like Pentatonix, are famous for their a cappella arrangements.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "a cappella," but you might see it in phrases like "a cappella group" or "a cappella music."

Different Meaning:

"A cappella" typically refers only to vocal music without instruments. It doesn't have other meanings in everyday language.

Synonyms:

• Vocal music
• Unaccompanied singing

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "a cappella." However, it’s related to the general concept of music and singing, so you might encounter phrases related to those themes.

Summary:

"A cappella" is a special term used in music to describe singing done without any instruments. It is often seen in choirs, vocal groups, and performances where the focus is solely on the human voice.

Academic

Adjective

1. sung without instrumental accompaniment
   • they sang an a cappella Mass

Adverb

1. without musical accompaniment
   • they performed a cappella