A1 noun Neutral

dynamics

/daɪˈnæmɪks/

In music, dynamics refers to how loud or quiet the music is played. It describes the volume of a sound or a note and how it changes during a song.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The piano teacher asked the student to focus on the dynamics of the song.

The piano teacher asked the student to focus on the dynamics of the song.

2

The conductor requested more subtle dynamics from the violin section.

The conductor requested more subtle dynamics from the violin section.

3

You need to change the dynamics here because it's getting too loud.

You need to change the dynamics here because it's getting too loud.

Word Family

Noun
dynamics
Verb
dynamize
Adverb
dynamically
Adjective
dynamic
Related
dynamism
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Dynamite' - it starts with a small spark (quiet) and ends with a loud bang (loud).

Quick Quiz

The song would be boring if the ______ never changed from quiet to loud.

Correct!

The correct answer is: dynamics

Examples

1

The piano teacher asked the student to focus on the dynamics of the song.

everyday

The piano teacher asked the student to focus on the dynamics of the song.

2

The conductor requested more subtle dynamics from the violin section.

formal

The conductor requested more subtle dynamics from the violin section.

3

You need to change the dynamics here because it's getting too loud.

informal

You need to change the dynamics here because it's getting too loud.

4

The study of musical dynamics is essential for understanding classical compositions.

academic

The study of musical dynamics is essential for understanding classical compositions.

5

The audio engineer adjusted the dynamics to ensure the vocals were clear.

business

The audio engineer adjusted the dynamics to ensure the vocals were clear.

Word Family

Noun
dynamics
Verb
dynamize
Adverb
dynamically
Adjective
dynamic
Related
dynamism

Common Collocations

musical dynamics musical dynamics
soft dynamics soft dynamics
loud dynamics loud dynamics
changing dynamics changing dynamics
range of dynamics range of dynamics

Common Phrases

wide dynamic range

wide dynamic range

follow the dynamics

follow the dynamics

shift in dynamics

shift in dynamics

Often Confused With

dynamics vs dynamic

Dynamic is usually an adjective meaning energetic, while dynamics is a noun referring to volume in music.

📝

Usage Notes

When talking about music, use 'dynamics' in the plural form to refer to the various levels of volume in a piece.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'volume' only, but 'dynamics' is the specific term used by musicians to talk about artistic expression through sound levels.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Dynamite' - it starts with a small spark (quiet) and ends with a loud bang (loud).

📖

Word Origin

From the Greek word 'dunamis', which means power or force.

Grammar Patterns

Usually used in the plural form. Often follows verbs like 'change', 'control', or 'observe'.
🌍

Cultural Context

In most Western music, dynamics are written using Italian terms like 'piano' for soft and 'forte' for loud.

Quick Quiz

The song would be boring if the ______ never changed from quiet to loud.

Correct!

The correct answer is: dynamics

More music words

octave

A1

An octave is the distance between two musical notes where the higher note has double the frequency of the lower one. In a standard musical scale, it includes eight notes, such as from one 'C' to the next 'C' above it.

measure

A1

In music, a measure is a small section of a piece of music that contains a specific number of beats. It is the space between two vertical lines on a musical staff that helps musicians keep track of the rhythm.

guitar

A1

A musical instrument that usually has six strings and a long neck. It is played by plucking or strumming the strings with your fingers or a pick.

cello

A1

A large musical instrument with four strings that is played with a bow. The player sits down and holds the instrument between their knees while playing.

clarinet

A1

A musical instrument shaped like a long black tube with metal keys. You play it by blowing into a mouthpiece with a single reed to create sound.

oboe

A1

An oboe is a musical instrument that belongs to the woodwind family. It has a long, thin body and uses a double reed to create a high, clear, and distinct sound.

trumpet

A1

A musical instrument made of brass that you play by blowing into it and pressing three valves. It has a bright, powerful sound and is often used in jazz, classical music, and marching bands.

drum

A1

A musical instrument made of a hollow body covered with a tight skin or plastic. It is played by hitting it with sticks or your hands to create a rhythmic sound.

timpani

A1

Timpani are large, bowl-shaped drums usually made of copper and played in an orchestra. They are also called kettledrums because they look like big pots and can be tuned to specific musical notes.

piano

A1

A large musical instrument with a row of black and white keys that are pressed to make sound. It produces music by hitting wire strings with small hammers and is used in many styles of music.

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