syncopation

Meanings

1. 1noununcountabletechnicalmusic

   A rhythm in which the stress falls on a beat that is usually weak, breaking the expected pattern.

   Grammar: Uncountable when talking about the general technique; can be countable when referring to a specific instance.

   Patterns

   • use syncopation
   • a lot of syncopation
   • syncopation in something

   The syncopation in the bass line gives the song its funky feel.

   Syncopation is a key feature of ragtime and jazz.

   The composer uses syncopation to keep the listener off balance.

2. 2nouncountabletechnicalmusic

   A specific rhythmic figure or passage that uses such shifted accents.

   Grammar: Countable when referring to a particular instance: 'a syncopation', 'several syncopations'.

   Patterns

   • a syncopation
   • syncopations in a piece

   The opening syncopation is repeated throughout the movement.

   The drummer added a few syncopations to make the groove more interesting.

Word forms

Common combinations

heavy syncopation

The piece is known for its heavy syncopation.

a sense of syncopation

The pianist brought a wonderful sense of syncopation to the performance.

use of syncopation

The composer's use of syncopation was revolutionary.

Synonyms and how they differ

offbeat

As a noun, 'offbeat' refers to a weak beat itself; syncopation is the technique of accenting it.

Opposites

Word family

syncopate verb

To apply syncopation to a rhythm.

syncopated adjective

Having a rhythm characterized by syncopation.

Commonly confused: syncopation or synchronization?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “syncopation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words