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Glite Dictionary
🎻 A large bass instrument 🔊 Very low-pitched
contrabass

contrabass

9.2
Pitched one octave below the usual bass range
  • adjective
  • /ˈkɒntrəˌbæs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : contrabajo
  • The orchestra included a contrabass clarinet, which gave a deep, resonant sound.

Examples

  • The contrabass tuba has a deep, rich sound.

  • He was fascinated by the contrabass flute's unique, rumbling tones.

  • A rare contrabass saxophone was displayed at the instrument exhibition.

  • Does a contrabass saxophone exist?

  • The contrabass flute produces sounds that are an octave lower than the standard flute.

  • During the concert, the contrabass clarinet added depth to the ensemble's rich harmonies.

  • The contrabass voice in the choir provided a solid foundation for the musical arrangement.

Synonyms

double-bass
vscontrabass
6.5

Having notes one octave lower than the normal low voice or instrument

is the same meaning but uses an alternate name or spelling

How Low

contrabass
  • Specialized
9.2
bass
1 4.1
low-pitched
1 3.7
midrange
  • Specialized
5.3
high-pitched
41 3.7

Surface Forms

contrabass positive

Morphology

contrabass = bass (semi-transparent) = contra + bass

Same formation as the noun: 'contra-' + 'bass' yields an adjective meaning 'lower than bass'; the musical sense of 'contra-' may be specialized.

Etymology

Contrabass comes from the same Italian parts contra- 'below' and bass 'low'. It describes instruments or voices that sound an octave below the normal bass, which is why a contrabass instrument has such a deep, rumbling tone.