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amusia

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /əˈmjuːziə/

KK: /əˈmjuːziə/

noun
Definition

A condition where a person cannot understand or respond to music, often affecting their ability to recognize melodies or rhythms.


Example

Despite her love for music, she struggled with amusia and couldn't follow the tunes.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of amusia?
Sloth B
No, what's that?
Sloth A
It's when someone has trouble understanding or responding to music.
Sloth B
Wow, I didn't know that existed!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tone-deafness
music-illiteracy
melody-blindness
Antonyms
musicality
harmony
rhythm
Root Explanation

Amusia is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "mousa" (from Greek, meaning muse or music). The word describes a condition where a person is unable to perceive or produce music, hence being without music ability.

Memory Tip

Think of 'a-' meaning without, and 'mousa' relating to music — this helps you remember that amusia refers to a lack of musical ability.

Visually Confused Words
gambusia
ramusi
musa
amia
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