viola
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 5She practices the viola for an hour every afternoon after school.
She practices the viola for an hour every afternoon after school.
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.
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
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
She practices the viola for an hour every afternoon after school.
everydayShe practices the viola for an hour every afternoon after school.
The conservatory requires all applicants for the viola program to perform two contrasting pieces.
formalThe conservatory requires all applicants for the viola program to perform two contrasting pieces.
Is that a viola or just a big violin you've got there?
informalIs that a viola or just a big violin you've got there?
The frequency range of the viola allows it to fill the harmonic gap between the violin and the cello.
academicThe frequency range of the viola allows it to fill the harmonic gap between the violin and the cello.
Our firm is sponsoring the upcoming international viola competition to support young musicians.
businessOur firm is sponsoring the upcoming international viola competition to support young musicians.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
viola concerto
viola concerto
viola da gamba
viola da gamba
principal viola
principal viola
Often Confused With
The viola is larger than the violin and produces a lower, mellower pitch.
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
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
Related Vocabulary
A musical instrument with four strings that is held under th...
orchestraAn orchestra is a large group of musicians who play many dif...
bowRelating to a curved or arched shape, often used in architec...
celloA large musical instrument with four strings that is played...
symphonyA long and complex piece of music written for a large group...
More music words
octave
A1An 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
A1In 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1An 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1Timpani 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
A1A 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.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free