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Glite Dictionary
double-bass

double-bass

6.5
Having notes one octave lower than the normal low voice or instrument
  • adjective
  • /ˈdʌbəl beɪs/
translation icon : contrabajo
  • The double-bass clarinet produces notes much lower than the regular bass clarinet.

Examples

  • The orchestra featured a double-bass cello.

  • He specializes in double-bass voices, singing parts an octave lower than most basses.

  • A double-bass flute is extremely rare due to its deep, resonant range.

  • Is that a double-bass clarinet?

  • The composer wrote a piece specifically for the double-bass, adding depth to the orchestral sound.

  • In the jazz band, the double-bass provided a rich, low melody that complemented the piano.

  • The double-bass often plays the foundation of the harmony in classical symphonies.

Synonyms

contrabass
vsdouble-bass
  • Specialized
9.2

Pitched one octave below the usual bass range

is the same meaning but uses a different name or spelling

Surface Forms

double-bass positive

Morphology

double-bass = double + bass (semi-transparent) = double + bass

The form is clearly built from 'double' + 'bass', but the musical sense is a specialized conventional term rather than a fully predictable literal description.

Etymology

Double-bass comes from the parts double (meaning 'twice') and bass, which comes from Italian basso meaning 'low'. So the name shows it is a 'twice-low' bass, and that's why a double-bass instrument or voice sounds an octave lower than a regular bass.