symphony: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, artistic, technical (music)
Quick answer
What does “symphony” mean?
A long and complex musical composition for full orchestra, typically in multiple movements.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long and complex musical composition for full orchestra, typically in multiple movements.
Something, such as a colour scheme, event, or process, characterised by a harmonious combination of elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The metaphorical use ('a symphony of autumn colours') is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Conveys formality, grandeur, complexity, and harmony in both cultures.
Frequency
Similar frequency, slightly higher in US due to more common naming of orchestras as 'Symphony' (e.g., Boston Symphony).
Grammar
How to Use “symphony” in a Sentence
symphony by [composer]symphony in [key, e.g., C minor]symphony for [orchestra/instruments]symphony of [metaphorical elements]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “symphony” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The piece does not symphony in the traditional sense. (Rare/archaic)
American English
- (No standard verb use)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- The symphony hall was packed. (Attributive noun use)
American English
- We attended a symphony concert. (Attributive noun use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in metaphorical branding ('a symphony of innovation').
Academic
Used in musicology, history of art, and literary criticism (for metaphorical analysis).
Everyday
Used when discussing classical music or describing harmonious scenes poetically.
Technical
Specific use in music theory to denote a large-scale orchestral composition in sonata cycle form.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “symphony”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “symphony”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “symphony”
- Using 'symphony' to refer to any orchestral music (e.g., a concerto). Overusing the metaphorical sense in informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, it refers to a specific large-scale orchestral form from the Classical period onward. However, 20th/21st-century composers also write symphonies, and the term is used metaphorically beyond music.
A symphony is a type of musical composition. A philharmonic (e.g., 'the Berlin Philharmonic') is typically the name of an orchestra that performs symphonies and other works.
No, 'symphony' is not used as a standard verb in modern English. The related verb is 'symphonise', but it is extremely rare.
A classical symphony typically has four movements: fast, slow, a minuet or scherzo, and fast finale. However, this structure has varied throughout history.
A long and complex musical composition for full orchestra, typically in multiple movements.
Symphony is usually formal, artistic, technical (music) in register.
Symphony: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪm.fə.ni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪm.fə.ni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a symphony of colour/sound”
- “nature's symphony”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SIMple PHONE playing a complex, beautiful orchestra piece – a 'sim-phone-y'.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARMONY IS A SYMPHONY; A COMPLEX AND BEAUTIFUL WHOLE IS A SYMPHONY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'symphony' used metaphorically?