symphony
Definitions
A long, complex piece of music for a full orchestra, usually in several movements
交响曲；交响乐
A harmonious combination of elements (figurative): a symphony of color
（比喻）和谐的组合：色彩的交响
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedsym- (together, a Greek form of syn-) + phōnē (sound) = 'sounding together.' Originally it meant agreement of sounds — harmony. It later narrowed to a grand orchestral work in which dozens of instruments sound together as one. The prefix sym- is the 'together' prefix here, not a separate root.
Root phon still carries 13 more wordsWhy It Means This
The word literally promises 'sounds together,' and that promise still lives at the heart of the music: a symphony is the art of making many separate instruments speak as a single voice. The figurative use — 'a symphony of color' — borrows exactly this idea: many distinct parts blending into one harmonious whole.
Common Collocations
- 1.symphony orchestra交响乐团
- 2.perform a symphony演奏交响曲
- 3.symphony hall交响音乐厅
- 4.compose a symphony创作交响曲
Example Sentences
- 1.
The orchestra opened the night with Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
- 2.
Writing a symphony can take a composer years.
- 3.
The garden in spring is a symphony of color and scent.