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chromaticism

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /krəʊˈmætɪsɪzəm/

KK: /kroʊˈmætɪsɪzəm/

noun
Definition

The use of colors in music or art, especially involving notes that are not part of the standard scale.


Example

The chromaticism in the piece added a rich and vibrant quality to the music.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about chromaticism in music?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's that concept where you use all the notes, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It adds so much color to a piece.
Sloth B
I love how it creates tension and resolution in melodies.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
coloration
hue
saturation
Antonyms
monochrome
achromatic
dullness
Root Explanation

Chromaticism → It is formed from "chroma" (from Greek "χρῶμα", meaning color) and "-ism" (meaning a practice or belief). The word "chromaticism" refers to the use of color in art or music, emphasizing the richness and variety of colors.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chroma' meaning color, and remember that 'chromaticism' relates to the practice of using color.

Visually Confused Words
romanticism
achromatism
dichromatism
achromatic
trichromatism
scholasticism
romanticalism
panchromatism
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