trio
B2Formal and informal; common in musical, journalistic, and general descriptive contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A set or group of three people or things, especially in music, performance, or close association.
Any group or set of three considered as a unit; can refer to musical compositions for three performers, groups of three artists, three people working together, or three related items.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While the core meaning is neutral, it often implies collaboration, harmony, or a close-knit unit, especially when referring to people. In music, it specifically denotes a composition for three parts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and used in the same contexts in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[trio] + of + [plural noun][adjective] + triothe + [proper noun] + trioVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A trio of executives led the merger negotiations.
Academic
The study focused on the influential trio of philosophers from the Enlightenment.
Everyday
We're meeting as a trio for coffee tomorrow.
Technical
The sonata was composed for a piano trio (violin, cello, piano).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My two brothers and I are a trio.
- She plays in a music trio.
- The jazz trio performed at the festival last night.
- A trio of dolphins swam near the boat.
- The investigative trio uncovered evidence that had been missed by the authorities.
- The company was founded by an entrepreneurial trio from university.
- The piano trio's interpretation of the Brahms piece was both nuanced and powerfully cohesive.
- A formidable trio of economic challenges—inflation, stagnation, and debt—now confronts the government.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TRI-cycle (three wheels) or TRI-angle (three angles) to remember TRIO means THREE.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARMONY IS NUMERICAL BALANCE (e.g., 'The trio worked in perfect harmony').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'тройка' (troika) which is more specific to sledges or a specific grouping in Russian context. 'Trio' is the more general, neutral equivalent.
- Do not use 'трио' as an adjective (e.g., 'трио группа' is redundant). Just 'trio' is sufficient.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'trio' for non-human things where 'set of three' or 'three' is more natural (e.g., 'a trio of apples' sounds literary).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈtraɪoʊ/ (like 'try').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'trio' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be used for both, but for people or personified/grouped items (e.g., a trio of paintings, a trio of problems). It sounds odd for completely separate, mundane objects.
'Trio' is the most common and neutral, often for performers. 'Triad' suggests a more formal or structured set of three (e.g., a crime triad, musical chord). 'Threesome' is informal and often refers to three people in a social/sexual context.
No, 'trio' is exclusively a noun in standard modern English.
Stress the first syllable: TREE-oh. The British version may have a slightly less rounded final vowel than the American.
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