Word
Definition
n. an electronic machine that makes and changes sounds. You use it to create music by pressing keys or buttons and adjusting different settings.
n. an electronic instrument that generates and modifies sounds through the use of oscillators and filters. It can produce a wide range of tones, from realistic imitations of acoustic instruments to entirely artificial electronic sounds.
Examples
“The band uses a synthesizer to create their unique electronic sound.”
“Modern music producers often use a digital synthesizer to layer complex textures over traditional drum beats.”
“While early models relied on analog circuits to generate waveforms, contemporary synthesizers often use digital signal processing to achieve a level of precision and versatility that was previously impossible.”
Examples
simple
“The band uses a synthesizer to create their unique electronic sound.”
contextual
“Modern music producers often use a digital synthesizer to layer complex textures over traditional drum beats.”
complex
“While early models relied on analog circuits to generate waveforms, contemporary synthesizers often use digital signal processing to achieve a level of precision and versatility that was previously impossible.”
Real-World Examples
“The fittingly fizzy track Our Love Is Alive samples a 1980 episode of the PBS kids’ science show 3-2-1 Contact, in which she breaks down how her signature Buchla synthesizer works.” “The first electronic speech machines, called synthesizers, were built in the 1930s.” Etymology
From synthesize + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/synthesizer
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0