chorus
B1Neutral (common in both formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
The main group of singers in a musical performance, typically contrasted with soloists.
A part of a song repeated after each verse; any group of people or animals vocalising together; a simultaneous utterance or response; a group of performers commenting on the action in a classical Greek drama.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Moves flexibly from concrete (group of singers) to abstract (a chorus of criticism) domains. Its use as a verb (to say or sing together) is derived from the noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In theatrical contexts, 'chorus line' (for dancers) is equally common. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations. In musical theatre, 'the chorus' refers to singers and often dancers.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
chorus of [NOUN: disapproval/protest/applause]to chorus [VERB: that...]to chorus [NOUN: a reply]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a chorus of disapproval”
- “in chorus (speaking/singing together)”
- “swell the chorus (join a popular opinion)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A chorus of complaints from customers.
Academic
The chorus in ancient Greek tragedy served as a moral commentator.
Everyday
Everyone sang the chorus.
Technical
The chorus effect is an audio signal processing technique.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- "Good idea," they all chorused.
- The audience chorused their approval loudly.
American English
- "Let's go!" the kids chorused.
- Reporters chorused questions at the mayor.
adverb
British English
- (Not standardly used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not standardly used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- She landed a chorus role in the West End production.
- The chorus master was very demanding.
American English
- He started in the chorus line before getting a solo.
- The chorus director called for quiet.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We all sang the chorus of the song.
- She sings in the school chorus.
- The chorus came in after the second verse.
- A chorus of birds greeted the sunrise.
- His proposal was met with a chorus of criticism from the board.
- The children chorused "thank you" to their teacher.
- The play uses a modern chorus to narrate and question the protagonist's actions.
- The policy announcement elicited a predictable chorus of condemnation from opposition parties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHORUS of people in a CHOIR, all singing in UNISON together.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENT IS A UNIFIED SOUND (e.g., 'a chorus of approval').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: Russian 'хор' (khor) is a direct equivalent for the singing group sense, but does not cover the 'refrain' or 'simultaneous utterance' senses as naturally.
- Avoid translating 'in chorus' as 'в хоре' when it means 'in unison' – use 'хором'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'chorus' (group/refrain) with 'choir' (only a singing group).
- Using 'chorus' as a verb incorrectly: 'They chorused to leave' is wrong; 'They chorused "Let's leave!"' is correct.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'chorus' NOT typically fit?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A choir is specifically a group of singers, often organised for religious or classical music. A chorus can also be a singing group, especially in theatre or opera, but additionally means the repeated section of a song or any group speaking/sounding together.
Yes. It means to say or sing something simultaneously. E.g., 'The class chorused their answer.'
Yes. You can have one chorus or several choruses. E.g., 'The song has three catchy choruses.'
It means speaking or singing at the same time, in unison. E.g., 'The students replied in chorus.'