keep time with — to move or dance in rhythm with music or sound
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to move or dance in rhythm with music or sound
Pronunciation (IPA): /kiːp taɪm wɪð/
Example Sentences
- My grandfather can still keep time with any jazz song, even at 85!
- The marching band struggled to keep time with the fast tempo.
- She tapped her foot to keep time with the catchy pop song.
keep time with
VERB[/kiːp taɪm wɪð/]
to move or dance in rhythm with music or sound
to move or dance in rhythm with music or sound
The mime learns to keep time with the chime!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'keep time with' derives from Old English 'cepan' (to guard, maintain) combined with 'tima' (time). Originally used literally to mean maintaining temporal alignment, it evolved in musical contexts to denote staying in rhythm or synchronizing one's actions with a beat or tempo.
Breakdown
keep (Old English 'cepan': to guard, maintain) + time (Old English 'tima': time, period) + with (accompaniment, togetherness). The compound conveys the sense of 'maintaining time together' or 'staying synchronized with a rhythm.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandfather can still keep time with any jazz song, even at 85!”
“The marching band struggled to keep time with the fast tempo.”
“She tapped her foot to keep time with the catchy pop song.”
“Even my pet parrot can keep time with classical music - he's a natural conductor!”
📚Related Words
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