contrabasso: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “contrabasso” mean?
The largest and lowest-pitched instrument of the violin family, also called double bass.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The largest and lowest-pitched instrument of the violin family, also called double bass.
In Italian musical terminology, the term for double bass; sometimes used in English in historical or specialized musical contexts to refer to the instrument or its part.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both regions overwhelmingly use 'double bass'. 'Contrabasso' is equally rare in both, found mainly in specialized musical writing.
Connotations
Historical, formal, or specifically Italianate.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. More likely to be encountered in academic musicology or historical performance practice than in general usage.
Grammar
How to Use “contrabasso” in a Sentence
the [adjective] contrabassoplay [instrument: contrabasso]score for [instrument: contrabasso]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, historical performance practice, or when discussing Italian scores.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used or understood.
Technical
The primary context. Used in orchestral/musical terminology, especially relating to Italian composers or historical periods.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contrabasso”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contrabasso”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contrabasso”
- Using 'contrabasso' in general conversation instead of 'double bass'.
- Misspelling as 'contrabass' (which is a related but distinct term for the instrument family).
- Assuming it is a standard English term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, specialized term borrowed from Italian. The common English term is 'double bass'.
Primarily in historical music scores, academic writing on music history, or discussions of Italian musical terminology.
'Contrabasso' is the Italian word for the specific instrument (double bass). 'Contrabass' is an English adjective (e.g., contrabass clarinet) describing instruments in the lowest pitch range of their family.
Only in very specific technical or historical contexts. In almost all situations, use 'double bass' to ensure you are understood.
The largest and lowest-pitched instrument of the violin family, also called double bass.
Contrabasso is usually technical/historical in register.
Contrabasso: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒntrəˈbasəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːntrəˈbæsoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CONTRA' (against/opposite) + 'BASSO' (low/deep in Italian) = the instrument that plays the deepest, lowest notes.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION (provides the harmonic and rhythmic base for the ensemble).
Practice
Quiz
In modern English, what is the most common term for the instrument called 'contrabasso' in Italian?