Definition

1. Adjective: Sung or performed without instrumental accompaniment.
2. Adverb: In a manner that is sung or performed without instrumental accompaniment.

Usage

The word "a cappella" describes music that uses only the human voice, with no instruments. It is commonly used to describe singing styles, groups, or performances. * It is often used in the context of choral music, barbershop quartets, or modern vocal groups. * It can function as both an adjective (describing a noun) and an adverb (describing a verb).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The choir is known for its beautiful a cappella arrangements.
  • She prefers a cappella versions of popular songs.
• Adverb:
  • The group decided to perform the song a cappella.
  • Can you sing that line a cappella so we can hear your pitch?

Advanced Usage

• "To go a cappella": To transition into singing without instrumental backing.
  • The band stopped playing, and the lead singer went a cappella for the final chorus.
• The term originates from Italian, meaning "in the manner of the chapel," referring to the style of unaccompanied vocal music used in church chapels.

Variants and Related Words

• A cappella group (noun phrase): A musical ensemble that sings without instrumental accompaniment.
  • He joined an a cappella group at university.

Synonyms

• Unaccompanied (adj/adv): Without accompaniment. This is a more general English synonym.
  • An unaccompanied vocal performance.
• Vocal-only (adj): Consisting only of voices. This is a descriptive modern phrase.

Antonyms

• Accompanied (adj/adv): With musical accompaniment.
  • An accompanied solo.
• Instrumental (adj): Performed on instruments, not sung.
  • An instrumental track.

Adjective

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

Adverb

1. without musical accompaniment
   • they performed a cappella