Word
Definitions
01orchestral music
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Music
n. a long piece of music for a large group of musicians, usually divided into several parts.
n. an elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, typically consisting of four movements in a specific structural form.
“The orchestra practiced for weeks before performing Beethoven's ninth symphony.”
“The composer's final symphony was celebrated for its innovative use of choral elements within a traditionally instrumental framework.”
Usage
Often used with a number or a name to identify the specific work.
Synonyms
02a harmonious mix
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Literary
n. a beautiful or pleasing combination of many different things, like colors or sounds.
n. a harmonious or impressive collection of diverse elements that work together effectively.
“The garden was a symphony of bright colors in the springtime.”
“The chef described the dish as a symphony of flavors, balancing sharp acidity with rich, earthy undertones.”
Teaching tip
This is a figurative use; learners should use it to describe something exceptionally well-coordinated or beautiful.
03the orchestra itself
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Music American English · Informal
n. a short way to say 'symphony orchestra'.
n. a metonymic reference to a symphony orchestra.
“She has been playing violin for the local symphony for ten years.”
“The city's symphony struggled to maintain its funding during the economic downturn, despite high ticket sales for the winter season.”
Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/symphony
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR