symphony

sym·pho·ny

noun \-nē\

plural sym·pho·nies

Definition of SYMPHONY

1

: consonance of sounds

2

a : ritornello 1 b : sinfonia 1 c (1) : a usually long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra (2) : a musical composition (as for organ) resembling such a symphony in complexity or variety

3

: consonance or harmony of color (as in a painting)

4

a : symphony orchestra b : a symphony orchestra concert

5

: something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition <a symphony of flavors>

Examples of SYMPHONY

1. <the satisfying symphony of color in Renoir's canvases>
2. <a performance of a Bach concerto by the San Antonio Symphony>

Origin of SYMPHONY

Middle English symphonie, from Middle French, from Latin symphonia, from Greek symphōnia, from symphōnos concordant in sound, from syn- + phōnē voice, sound — more at ban

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SYMPHONY

Synonyms: balance, coherence, concinnity, consonance, consonancy, orchestration, proportion, symmetry, harmony, unity

Antonyms: asymmetry, discordance, disproportion, disunity, imbalance, incoherence, violence

Related Words: coordination, correlation, correspondence, equalization, equilibrium, evenness, order, orderliness, regularity, uniformity

Near Antonyms: confusion, disorganization, dissonance, disturbance, tension; disconnectedness, disjointedness, incompatibility; irregularity, unevenness

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue