sourdine

/'sɔ:di:n/ Cách viết khác : (sourdine) /suə'di:n/

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The word "sourdine" is a noun that comes from music and describes a way to make a sound softer or quieter. Here’s a simple breakdown for you:

Basic Definition:

• Sourdine: An organ stop that produces a soft, muted sound. It can also refer to a mute used for instruments like the violin, which helps to reduce the volume of the sound without changing its pitch.

Usage Instructions:

When you use "sourdine," you are often talking about music, especially in the context of playing instruments like the organ or violin.

Example Sentence:

• "The musician used a sourdine on the violin to create a gentle, soft melody during the performance."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced discussions about music, "sourdine" can be used to describe various techniques musicians use to create softer sounds or to change the quality of the sound. For example, in orchestral music, the term might come up when discussing how to achieve a certain mood or atmosphere in a piece.

Word Variants:

• Sourdine (singular)
• Sourdines (plural)

Different Meanings:

While "sourdine" specifically refers to a musical context, in some languages (like French), it can mean "muffled" or "muted" in a more general sense. However, in English, it is primarily used in music.

Synonyms:

• Mute: This is the most direct synonym and can refer to any device that softens the sound of an instrument.
• Dampener: This is another term that can be used to describe a device that reduces sound, though it's less specific to musical instruments.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "sourdine," but you might encounter phrases like "play it by ear" when discussing how to adjust music dynamically, which can relate to the concept of using a sourdine to change sound.

Conclusion:

In summary, "sourdine" is a musical term used to describe a way to soften sounds produced by instruments.

Academic

Noun

1. an organ stop resulting in a soft muted sound
2. a mute for a violin

Synonyms

• sordino