polyphony: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic / Artistic
Quick answer
What does “polyphony” mean?
The combination of multiple independent melodies or voices in music.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The combination of multiple independent melodies or voices in music.
A texture in music where two or more simultaneous lines of independent melody are perceived as equally important. By extension, can refer to any situation involving multiple distinct voices, opinions, or narratives coexisting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of complexity, richness, and simultaneous multiplicity.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, restricted to specialised and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “polyphony” in a Sentence
polyphony of [plural noun: voices, opinions, melodies]polyphony in [noun phrase: the novel, Renaissance music]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polyphony” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- polyphonic texture
- polyphonic writing
American English
- polyphonic composition
- polyphonic music
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The market analysis presented a polyphony of conflicting signals.'
Academic
Common in musicology, literary theory, cultural studies: 'Bakhtin's concept of dialogism explores the polyphony of the novel.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would be considered highly specialised vocabulary.
Technical
Standard term in music theory and composition: 'The fugue is a masterclass in four-part polyphony.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polyphony”
- Confusing 'polyphony' with 'harmony' (which is about chords supporting a single melody).
- Using it to simply mean 'many sounds' without the connotation of independent, simultaneous lines.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Polyphony features multiple independent melody lines of equal importance (e.g., a fugue). Homophony features one primary melody line with accompanying harmony or chords (e.g., a pop song with vocal and guitar chords).
Yes, especially in academic writing. It is commonly used in literary theory (for multi-voiced narratives) and cultural studies (for societies with multiple coexisting perspectives).
No. It is a low-frequency, specialised term. Most English speakers would encounter it only in specific contexts like music lessons, university courses, or highbrow cultural criticism.
The adjective is 'polyphonic', as in 'a polyphonic composition' or 'a polyphonic novel'.
The combination of multiple independent melodies or voices in music.
Polyphony is usually technical / academic / artistic in register.
Polyphony: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪfəni/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪfəni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A polyphony of voices”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
POLY (many) + PHONY (sound) = many sounds or voices together.
Conceptual Metaphor
MULTIPLE VOICES ARE A TAPESTRY / MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES ARE A CONVERSATION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'polyphony'?