ENGLISH
REFERENCE

harmonies

n. plural-only
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɑɹməniz// UK //hˈɑːmənɪz// har·monies

n. different musical notes played or sung at the same time to create a pleasant sound. You often hear them when several people sing together in a choir.

n. the combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions with a pleasing effect. Often refers to the vocal or instrumental parts that support a main melody.


SIMPLE

The singers practiced their harmonies for the concert.

CONTEXTUAL

The band is famous for its complex vocal harmonies that make their simple folk songs sound much richer.

COMPLEX

While the lead singer carries the narrative of the song, it is the subtle shift in the backing harmonies that signals the emotional change in the chorus.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Usually used in the plural when referring to specific vocal or instrumental parts; the singular form often refers to the abstract concept of musical agreement.

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