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percussiveness

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /pərˈkʌsɪvnəs/

KK: /pərˈkəsɪvnəs/

noun
Definition

The quality or characteristic of producing a sharp, striking sound, often associated with musical instruments or sounds that hit or strike.


Example

The percussiveness of the drums added energy to the performance.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you notice the percussiveness of that song we heard yesterday?
Sloth B
Yeah, it had such a catchy beat!
Sloth A
I really think the percussiveness made the whole thing more exciting.
Sloth B
Absolutely! It kept me tapping my feet the entire time.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
impact
strike
thump
Antonyms
softness
gentleness
silence
Root Explanation

Percussiveness → It is formed from "per-" (meaning through) and "cudere" (meaning to strike). The word describes the quality of being able to strike through or produce a strong impact, often in relation to sound or rhythm.

Memory Tip

Think of the idea of striking through something ('per-') to create a strong impact ('cudere'). This helps you remember that 'percussiveness' refers to the quality of producing a striking sound.

Visually Confused Words
repercussiveness
persuasiveness
persistiveness
permissiveness
persecutiveness
reclusiveness
recessiveness
profusiveness
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