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symphonic

C2
Uncommon

Pronunciation

UK

  • /sɪmfˈɒnɪk/

US

  • /sɪmˈfɑnɪk/

Meanings

Adjective

  1. relating to a symphony orchestra or written in that large-scale orchestral style

  2. grand, richly layered, or sweeping in a way that suggests a symphony

Beyond the definition

Think of a full orchestra: violins rising, trumpets shining, drums rolling. That's what symphonic brings to mind. The word comes from "symphony," a large musical work written for an orchestra. So when something is described this way, it often suggests the richness, depth, and power of orchestral music.

It does not always have to refer to actual music, though. You might describe a dramatic sunset as having "symphonic colors," meaning a wide and beautiful blend of hues. A writer might shape a "symphonic narrative," with themes and characters woven together so that everything grows into a strong ending, much like the parts of a symphony.

Examples

  1. 1

    Film music

    The movie's symphonic score makes even quiet scenes feel grand.

  2. 2

    Concert arrangement

    For the anniversary concert, the band performed symphonic versions of their biggest songs.

    • Phrasesymphonic version

      a version arranged for a full orchestra or a similar large sound

  3. 3

    Musical style

    Her early pieces were simple and intimate, but her later work became increasingly symphonic.

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • symphonic poem
  • symphonic music
  • symphonic form

Word family

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Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • symphonicadjective