altus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Academic, Technical (Music)
Quick answer
What does “altus” mean?
high, deep, or lofty (from Latin).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
high, deep, or lofty (from Latin)
A Latin adjective meaning tall, high, deep, or profound; sometimes used in English contexts to evoke classical or elevated tone, or in specific fields like music (altus voice part).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage, as the word is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes classical education, musicology, or historical scholarship.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage for both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic texts due to traditional Latin pedagogy, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “altus” in a Sentence
Used attributively (e.g., the altus part)Used in Latin phrases (e.g., altus poeta)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “altus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The altus line in this motet is particularly intricate.
- He quoted an altus Roman poet.
American English
- The altus part was missing from the score.
- She studied the use of altus in classical rhetoric.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or musicological texts discussing Renaissance music or Latin literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primarily in music, referring to a specific vocal range in early music, between tenor and soprano.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “altus”
- Using it as an everyday English word.
- Pronouncing it /ɔːlˈtʌs/ or /ˈɑːl.təs/.
- Confusing it with 'alto' (though related).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a direct Latin loanword used in very specific English contexts, primarily musicology and classical studies. It is not part of general English vocabulary.
'Altus' is the original Latin term. 'Alto' is the Italian-derived term used in modern musical contexts for a similar (often female or boy's) vocal range. 'Altus' is specifically historical.
It is typically pronounced /ˈæl.təs/, with the stress on the first syllable, approximating the Latin pronunciation.
No, this would be incorrect and unintelligible to most listeners. Use 'tall', 'high', or 'lofty' instead.
high, deep, or lofty (from Latin).
Altus is usually formal, academic, technical (music) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in English”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ALTitude' + 'US' → ALTUS means high to us.
Conceptual Metaphor
VERTICALITY IS STATUS/QUALITY (e.g., altus = high status, profound thought).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'altus'?