A1 noun Neutral

viola

/viˈoʊlə/

A viola is a musical instrument with four strings that is held under the chin and played with a bow. It looks like a violin but is slightly larger and has a deeper, lower sound.

Examples

3 of 5
1

She practices the viola for an hour every afternoon after school.

She practices the viola for an hour every afternoon after school.

2

The conservatory requires all applicants for the viola program to perform two contrasting pieces.

The conservatory requires all applicants for the viola program to perform two contrasting pieces.

3

Is that a viola or just a big violin you've got there?

Is that a viola or just a big violin you've got there?

Word Family

Noun
viola
Related
violist
💡

Memory Tip

Remember that the vi-O-la is larger than the vi-O-lin; the 'a' at the end of viola can stand for 'alto' range.

Quick Quiz

The ______ is larger than a violin and has a deeper sound.

Correct!

The correct answer is: viola

Examples

1

She practices the viola for an hour every afternoon after school.

everyday

She practices the viola for an hour every afternoon after school.

2

The conservatory requires all applicants for the viola program to perform two contrasting pieces.

formal

The conservatory requires all applicants for the viola program to perform two contrasting pieces.

3

Is that a viola or just a big violin you've got there?

informal

Is that a viola or just a big violin you've got there?

4

The frequency range of the viola allows it to fill the harmonic gap between the violin and the cello.

academic

The frequency range of the viola allows it to fill the harmonic gap between the violin and the cello.

5

Our firm is sponsoring the upcoming international viola competition to support young musicians.

business

Our firm is sponsoring the upcoming international viola competition to support young musicians.

Word Family

Noun
viola
Related
violist

Common Collocations

play the viola play the viola
viola player viola player
viola section viola section
orchestral viola orchestral viola
electric viola electric viola

Common Phrases

viola concerto

viola concerto

viola da gamba

viola da gamba

principal viola

principal viola

Often Confused With

viola vs violin

The viola is larger than the violin and produces a lower, mellower pitch.

viola vs voila

Voila is a French exclamation meaning 'there it is', while viola is a musical instrument.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'viola' refers specifically to the alto member of the string family; a person who plays it is called a 'violist'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell the word as 'voila' or pronounce it like the French word instead of using the correct English pronunciation.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember that the vi-O-la is larger than the vi-O-lin; the 'a' at the end of viola can stand for 'alto' range.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Italian word 'viola', which comes from the same root as 'violin' and 'viol'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: violas Used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the instrument type
🌍

Cultural Context

In classical music culture, 'viola jokes' are a common trope, teasing the instrument for its supporting role in the orchestra.

Quick Quiz

The ______ is larger than a violin and has a deeper sound.

Correct!

The correct answer is: viola

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

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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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