ENGLISH
REFERENCE

symphony

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈsɪmfəni// UK //sˈɪmfənˌi// sym·pho·ny Informal

n. a long and complex piece of music written for a large group of musicians to play together.

n. an elaborate musical composition for a full orchestra, typically consisting of four distinct movements. Often used figuratively to describe a harmonious arrangement of diverse elements.


SIMPLE

The orchestra performed a beautiful symphony last night.

CONTEXTUAL

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is famous for its powerful final movement featuring a full choir.

COMPLEX

The city at dawn was a symphony of sounds, from the distant rumble of trains to the rhythmic clatter of shop shutters opening for the day.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English symphonye, from Old French simphonie, from Latin symphonia, from Ancient Greek συμφωνία (sumphōnía). By surface analysis, sym- + -phony. Doublet of sinfonia, symphonia, tsampouna, and zampogna.

Usage

Commonly paired with the preposition 'of' when used in a figurative sense.

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