ENGLISH
REFERENCE

programmatic

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌpɹɑɡɹəˈmætɪk// UK //pɹˌəʊɡɹɐmˈætɪk// pro·gram·mat·ic

adj. relating to a specific plan or set of instructions. In music, it often describes a style that follows a strict plan or a series of specific pieces.

adj. relating to a planned sequence of actions or a specific set of instructions. In a musical context, it describes a style or performance that follows a structured, pre-determined plan.


SIMPLE

The band played a programmatic set of songs.

CONTEXTUAL

The composer's programmatic approach to the symphony meant each movement told a specific story.

COMPLEX

The festival featured a programmatic series of lectures designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution of jazz in the twentieth century.

Origin

From programme + -atic.

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