grace note: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Specialised, technical (musical). Occasionally used metaphorically in formal/literary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “grace note” mean?
In music, an extra note added as an embellishment or ornament, not essential to the harmony or melody.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In music, an extra note added as an embellishment or ornament, not essential to the harmony or melody.
An elegant but non-essential addition; something that enhances the beauty of a larger work without being structurally necessary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the musical term. The metaphorical use is slightly more common in American literary and arts criticism.
Connotations
In both, it connotes artistry, finesse, and unnecessary beauty. Can imply something superfluous but appreciated.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse; frequency is identical in musical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “grace note” in a Sentence
The [noun phrase] added a grace note to the [noun phrase].It was a mere grace note.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grace note” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (not used as a verb)
American English
- N/A (not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (not used as a standalone adjective)
American English
- N/A (not used as a standalone adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Could be used metaphorically in branding/design discussions: 'The new logo is a graceful grace note on the rebrand.'
Academic
Used in musicology and criticism. In other fields, metaphorical use for stylistic analysis.
Everyday
Virtually unused unless discussing music.
Technical
Standard term in music notation and performance practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grace note”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grace note”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grace note”
- Using it to mean a 'saving grace' or a redeeming quality.
- Confusing it with a 'passing note' (which has a harmonic function).
- Misspelling as 'graze note'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, by definition it is an ornamental addition and not structurally necessary for the harmony or melody.
Yes, but it's a metaphorical and somewhat literary usage to describe any elegant, minor enhancement.
Common types include the appoggiatura (leaning note) and the acciaccatura (crushed note), which differ in how they are played relative to the main note.
It is a low-frequency, specialised term. Most English speakers would only know it if they have studied music.
In music, an extra note added as an embellishment or ornament, not essential to the harmony or melody.
Grace note is usually specialised, technical (musical). occasionally used metaphorically in formal/literary contexts. in register.
Grace note: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪs ˌnəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪs ˌnoʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A grace note to (something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of GRACE as elegance. A GRACE NOTE is an elegant little NOTE added for beauty, not necessity.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEAUTY IS AN ORNAMENT / REFINEMENT IS A DECORATIVE ADDITION
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, a 'grace note' is best described as: