string quartet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2neutral; used across formal, academic, musical, and cultural contexts
Quick answer
What does “string quartet” mean?
a group of four musicians who play instruments from the violin family, specifically two violins, a viola, and a cello.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a group of four musicians who play instruments from the violin family, specifically two violins, a viola, and a cello
a musical composition written specifically for such an ensemble; a group, situation, or arrangement involving four closely connected or balanced elements
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and frequency. Minor differences may exist in associated cultural references to specific composers or ensembles.
Connotations
Connotes high culture, sophistication, and chamber music tradition equally in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both BrE and AmE within musical, cultural, and educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “string quartet” in a Sentence
[The/String quartet] + [perform/play] + [composition/concert][Composer] + [wrote/composed] + [a string quartet][We] + [heard/listened to] + [the string quartet]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “string quartet” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The string-quartet repertoire is vast.
- We attended a string-quartet evening.
American English
- It was a string-quartet arrangement of the pop song.
- He enjoys string-quartet music.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The project team was a string quartet of experts from different departments.'
Academic
Common in musicology, history of music, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing classical music, concerts, or cultural events.
Technical
Specific term in music theory and performance for a standard chamber music formation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “string quartet”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “string quartet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “string quartet”
- Using it for any group of four musicians (e.g., a rock band). The instruments must be from the violin family.
- Pronouncing 'quartet' as /ˈkwɔːrtət/ instead of /kwɔːrˈtet/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, by definition, it is exactly four players. A similar but larger ensemble would be a string orchestra.
Yes, it is an open compound noun. It is hyphenated only when used as a modifier (e.g., string-quartet performance).
There are many famous quartets. Historically significant ensembles include the Juilliard String Quartet or the Alban Berg Quartet. In terms of compositions, Beethoven's late quartets are pinnacles of the genre.
A string quartet has four players, one per part. A chamber orchestra is a small orchestra with multiple players potentially per part, and it may include non-string instruments.
a group of four musicians who play instruments from the violin family, specifically two violins, a viola, and a cello.
String quartet is usually neutral; used across formal, academic, musical, and cultural contexts in register.
String quartet: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstrɪŋ kwɔːˈtet/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstrɪŋ kwɔːrˈtet/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(Metaphorical) They worked together like a well-rehearsed string quartet.”
- “To play second fiddle (originates from orchestra/ensemble hierarchy, not quartets specifically).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SQUARE (four sides) made of STRING (instruments have strings). A STRING QUARTET is a 'square' of four string players.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISE COOPERATION IS HARMONIOUS MUSIC ('The management team operated like a string quartet').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a function of the term 'string quartet'?