arpeggiate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “arpeggiate” mean?
To play the notes of a chord in rapid succession, one after the other, rather than simultaneously.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To play the notes of a chord in rapid succession, one after the other, rather than simultaneously.
To produce a broken chord effect; in computing, to generate a sequence of tones or data points in a similar cascading pattern.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Technical, precise, associated with classical or skilled musicianship in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “arpeggiate” in a Sentence
[Subject] + arpeggiate + [Direct Object (chord/progression)][Subject] + arpeggiate + [Prepositional Phrase (on instrument)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arpeggiate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pianist was instructed to arpeggiate the final chord for a more dramatic effect.
- In this passage, you should arpeggiate the left-hand chords upwards.
American English
- The guitarist will arpeggiate the intro chords to create a flowing sound.
- Synthesizers can be programmed to arpeggiate any chord you hold down.
adjective
British English
- The arpeggiated figure is a hallmark of Romantic piano music.
- He used an arpeggiated bass line throughout the piece.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, theory, and performance analysis texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of discussions with or among musicians.
Technical
Core term in music performance, composition, and sound synthesis programming (e.g., 'arpeggiator' module).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arpeggiate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arpeggiate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arpeggiate”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'play' (e.g., 'He arpeggiated the melody' is incorrect).
- Pronouncing it /ɑːrˈpiːɡiˌeɪt/ (with a hard 'g').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used for any chordal instrument (guitar, harp, harpsichord) and is also a standard term in electronic music for sequencers and synthesisers.
The noun form is 'arpeggio'. 'Arpeggiate' is the verb meaning 'to play as an arpeggio'.
Rarely. Its use is almost exclusively technical and literal within music and sound design. Figurative use (e.g., 'she arpeggiated her arguments') would be highly unusual and poetic.
Playing a chord 'solidly' or 'as a block chord', where all notes are struck simultaneously.
To play the notes of a chord in rapid succession, one after the other, rather than simultaneously.
Arpeggiate is usually technical/formal in register.
Arpeggiate: in British English it is pronounced /ɑːˈpɛdʒɪeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑːrˈpɛdʒiˌeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ARcH that you PEG notes onto, then you ATE them one by one in sequence.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHORD IS A STACK; TO ARPEGGIATE IS TO UNSTACK/DISMANTLE IT SEQUENTIALLY.
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean to 'arpeggiate' a chord?