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syncopation — a temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent in music caused typically by stressing the weak beat

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent in music caused typically by stressing the weak beat

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɪŋkəˌpeɪʃən/

Example Sentences

  • The drummer's syncopation was so confusing that even the metronome gave up and started dancing.
  • Ragtime music is characterized by its distinctive syncopation in the melody.
  • The students struggled to play the syncopation correctly until the teacher said 'Think of it as musical hiccups.'

syncopation

NOUN

[/ˈsɪŋkəˌpeɪʃən/]

a temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent in music caused typically by stressing the weak beat

a jazz drummer suddenly hits the drums on unexpected beats, creating an off-rhythm pattern that surprises everyone. His drumsticks strike the snare and cymbals at moments when the audience expects silence. The pianist next to him adjusts his playing to match the drummer's unexpected rhythm changes. The bass player in the background follows along, creating a completely new rhythmic feel. Other band members nod and smile as they adapt to the shifted beat pattern. the temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent in music caused by stressing the weak beat
💡 Concept

a jazz drummer suddenly hits the drums on unexpected beats, creating an off-rhythm pattern that surprises everyone. His drumsticks strike the snare and cymbals at moments when the audience expects silence. The pianist next to him adjusts his playing to match the drummer's unexpected rhythm changes. The bass player in the background follows along, creating a completely new rhythmic feel. Other band members nod and smile as they adapt to the shifted beat pattern. the temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent in music caused by stressing the weak beat

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈsɪŋkəˌpeɪʃən/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈsɪŋkəˌpeɪʃən/

🌳Etymology

Prefixsyn--
Rootcop
Suffix--ation

Origin

From Latin 'syncope' meaning 'fainting' or 'loss of consciousness,' originally a medical term. In music, it describes when the normal beat 'faints' or temporarily disappears, creating an off-beat rhythm.

Breakdown

syn- (together) + cop- (to cut/strike) + -ation (noun suffix meaning 'the act of')

🎵Rhyme

anticipationparticipationpronunciation
anticipation
participation
pronunciation

🔗Collocations

jazz syncopation
rhythmic syncopation
create syncopation
complex syncopation
syncopated rhythm
master syncopation

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The drummer's syncopation was so confusing that even the metronome gave up and started dancing.”

“Ragtime music is characterized by its distinctive syncopation in the melody.”

😄 Fun example

“The students struggled to play the syncopation correctly until the teacher said 'Think of it as musical hiccups.'”

“Latin American music frequently employs syncopation to create its infectious groove.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

rhythmic displacementoff-beat accentcross-rhythmirregular accent

Antonyms

regular rhythmsteady beaton-beat accent

Related

rhythmtempobeataccentjazzragtimepolyrhythm

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