sordine

The musician places the sordine on the trumpet's bell.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mute for a musical instrument: "sordine" refers to a device used to soften or muffle the sound of an instrument, particularly in string or wind instruments.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The violinist attached a sordine to the bridge to produce a quieter, more subdued tone. (A mute device used to reduce volume.)
  • In the orchestra, the trumpets used a sordine for the soft passage. (A mute for a wind instrument.)

Advanced Usage

• "con sordine": An Italian musical term meaning "with mute," instructing a musician to use a sordine.
  • The score indicated "con sordine" for the entire second movement. (With mute.)
• "senza sordine": An Italian musical term meaning "without mute," instructing the removal of the sordine.
  • After the quiet section, the conductor signaled "senza sordine" for a louder climax. (Without mute.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sourdine (n): An alternate spelling of "sordine," common in French and older English usage.
  • The composer preferred the French spelling "sourdine" in his notes. (Alternate form of the mute device.)

Synonyms

• Mute: A device used to dampen or quiet the sound of an instrument.
  • The pianist used a mute to soften the piano's tone. (Similar function to a sordine.)
• Damper: A device that reduces vibration or sound, often used on string instruments.
  • The cellist applied a damper to the strings for a softer effect. (A type of mute.)

Related Idioms

• "put a sordine on": To suppress or quiet something, especially speech or noise.
  • The teacher put a sordine on the class's chatter with a stern look. (To muffle or hush.)
• "under the sordine": Acting quietly or secretly.
  • The negotiations were conducted under the sordine, away from public attention. (In a subdued or concealed manner.)