unison
Definitions
The singing or playing of the same note or melody by many voices or instruments at once
齐唱，齐奏
Complete agreement; acting together as one
一致，协调一致
Root Breakdown
Native Englishuni- (one) + son (sound) = 'one sound.' When many voices sing the exact same note, they merge into a single sound. From the choir loft the word spread to any coordinated action — moving 'in unison' means moving as one.
Root son still carries 22 more wordsWhy It Means This
Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'in unison.' The literal music sense (many voices, one note) came first; the figurative sense (people acting as one) grew straight out of it. Note the spelling keeps 'son' (sound), not 'sound' — uni- + sonus.
Common Collocations
- 1.in unison齐声地，一致地
- 2.sing in unison齐唱
- 3.perfect unison完美和谐
- 4.act in unison一致行动
Example Sentences
- 1.
The whole choir came in on the final note in perfect unison.
- 2.
The dancers raised their arms in unison.
- 3.
For once, the rival parties acted in unison.