# abruptio

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abruptio
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a sudden and unexpected change in a piece of music. It is a technical term for a sharp break in the flow or style of a song.

For teachers: a sudden and unexpected change in a musical composition, often involving a sharp break in the melodic or rhythmic flow. Typically refers to a transition between two distinct musical styles or sections.

## Examples

- The song features an abruptio between the soft verses and the loud chorus.
- The composer used an abruptio to signal the shift from a somber, slow movement to a fast, energetic finale.
- While the transition was intended to be a smooth modulation, the result was an abruptio that left the audience momentarily disoriented by the sudden shift in tonality.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.