syncopated
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Having a rhythm that stresses normally weak beats: Describes music or a rhythm in which the emphasis (accent) is placed on beats or parts of beats that are usually not stressed, creating a surprising, lively, or offbeat feel.
Usage
This word is used almost exclusively to describe rhythms in music. It characterizes a specific technical aspect of musical timing and feel. - It modifies nouns like rhythm, beat, music, melody, or song. - It describes the quality of the rhythm, not the tempo (speed).
Examples
- The syncopated rhythm of jazz makes you want to move.
- She composed a piece with a heavily syncopated bass line.
- The drummer played a syncopated pattern against the steady pulse.
- I love the syncopated feel of this Afro-Cuban music.
Advanced Usage
- Syncopated rhythms are a hallmark of many musical genres, including ragtime, jazz, funk, salsa, and much of contemporary popular music. They create complexity and drive by conflicting with the expected, regular pulse.
- The related verb is to syncopate, meaning to displace the beats or accents to create such a rhythm.
- Example: The arranger chose to syncopate the melody in the final chorus.
Variants and Related Words
- Syncopate (verb): To make a rhythm syncopated.
- Syncopation (noun): The technique or effect of syncopating; a specific instance of a syncopated rhythm.
- Example: The syncopation in that phrase is very complex.
Synonyms
- Offbeat
- Displaced
- Accented on the off-beat
Antonyms
- Straight (rhythm)
- On-the-beat
- Regular (in a rhythmic sense)
Adjective
- stressing a normally weak beat