chromaticism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “chromaticism” mean?
The use of notes foreign to the diatonic scale (such as sharps and flats) in music.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The use of notes foreign to the diatonic scale (such as sharps and flats) in music.
More broadly, the quality of containing or involving changes in color, or a progression through different hues. In linguistics, it can refer to the phonetic quality of a sound.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. The term is identically used in specialist musical contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both contexts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency and equally confined to technical/musical discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “chromaticism” in a Sentence
the chromaticism of [Noun Phrase]chromaticism in [Noun Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chromaticism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chromatic passage was challenging for the violinist.
American English
- The chromatic passage was challenging for the violinist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in musicology and theory papers; e.g., 'The paper analyses the chromaticism in late Schubert.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used by musicians or highly educated enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard term in music theory and composition; e.g., 'The passage features a high level of chromaticism.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chromaticism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chromaticism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chromaticism”
- Misspelling as 'chromaticisim' or 'cromaticism'. Using it to mean 'vivid colour' in general non-musical contexts is incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are related but distinct. Chromaticism refers to using notes outside the key. Dissonance refers to intervals or chords that sound tense or unstable. Chromatic notes often create dissonance, but not all dissonance is chromatic.
It would be unusual and potentially confusing. While 'chromatic' relates to colour, 'chromaticism' is overwhelmingly a musical term. Use 'colourfulness', 'vibrancy', or 'polychromy' instead.
Diatonicism. Diatonic music stays strictly within the notes of a given major or minor scale, while chromatic music incorporates many sharps and flats foreign to that scale.
No. While it expanded greatly in the Romantic period (19th century), elements of chromaticism have been used since the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
The use of notes foreign to the diatonic scale (such as sharps and flats) in music.
Chromaticism is usually technical / academic in register.
Chromaticism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrəʊˈmæt.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkroʊˈmæt̬.ə.sɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHROMAtic TV set showing many colourful (chromatic) notes outside the regular scale.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLOUR IS SOUND / MUSICAL NOTES ARE HUES
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'chromaticism' most precisely and commonly used?