contralto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “contralto” mean?
The lowest female singing voice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The lowest female singing voice.
A singer with this voice type; the vocal part written for this voice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage.
Connotations
Equally technical and formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with equal rarity in specialised musical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “contralto” in a Sentence
the contralto [VERB]a [ADJECTIVE] contraltosing [AS/IN] contraltoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contralto” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She is a contralto soloist in the choir.
American English
- The contralto part in this piece is particularly challenging.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology and vocal pedagogy.
Everyday
Very rare; only among those discussing classical music or voice.
Technical
Standard term in music, opera, choral singing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contralto”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkɒn.trəl.toʊ/ (stress on first syllable).
- Using it as a general adjective for any low sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In choral settings, 'alto' is often used interchangeably for the lower female part. Strictly, 'contralto' refers to the specific voice type of a soloist, while 'alto' is the choral part.
No. A man singing in a similar range would typically be called a countertenor (using a developed falsetto or head voice).
A mezzo-soprano has a higher and often brighter vocal range than a contralto. The contralto voice is rarer, with a darker, richer, and lower tessitura (comfortable pitch range).
No. It is a specialised term from classical music and opera. The average person may have heard it but might not know its precise meaning.
The lowest female singing voice.
Contralto is usually formal/technical in register.
Contralto: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtræl.təʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtræl.toʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONTRA-LTO: Think of a woman singing CONTRARY to the high LTO (Let's Take it low) notes.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEPTH IS LOW PITCH (e.g., a deep voice, a rich contralto).
Practice
Quiz
What is a contralto?