polyphonic
/ˌpɒl.iˈfɒn.ɪk/- 1.
Having two or more separate musical lines sounding together. It describes music where each voice or part can be followed on its own.
- The choir sang a polyphonic piece.
- Bach wrote many polyphonic works.
- 2.
Having many different voices, styles, or viewpoints at the same time. It is often used in literary, academic, or cultural writing.
- The novel has a polyphonic structure.
- The discussion became polyphonic and complex.
Adinary Nuance
Polyphonic is more specific than many close words like 'multi-voiced' or 'complex'. Use it when you want to stress that several voices or musical lines are present at the same time, not just many ideas. In music, it is the opposite of monophonic and different from homophonic, where one melody leads and others support it. In writing, it often sounds more formal and technical than 'many-voiced'.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- đa âm
- Spanish
- polifónico
- Chinese
- 复调的
- Japanese
- 多声音の
- Korean
- 다성의
Etymology
From Greek poly- meaning 'many' and -phonic from phōnē meaning 'sound' or 'voice'. The word entered English through music and later broader literary use.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is polyphonic a common everyday word?
- No. It is more common in music, literature, and academic writing.
- What is the difference between polyphonic and homophonic?
- Polyphonic means several independent lines at once. Homophonic means one main melody with support underneath.
- Can I use polyphonic for writing, not just music?
- Yes. Writers use it for works with many voices or viewpoints.
- Is polyphonic formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and technical, especially outside music.