to follow
1
5.0
- verb
- /ˈfɑloʊ/
- Jargon
- As the conductor raised his baton, the orchestra followed his movements to ensure perfect timing.
Examples
-
The guitarist skillfully followed the lead singer's tempo during the performance to create a harmonious sound.
-
During the rehearsal, the musicians learned to follow each other's cues to maintain synchrony.
-
It's like a dance, just follow me.
-
Can you make your fingers follow the music and the map?
Academic text (2015) -
Stobrod took up his instrument and followed the man to his house, an hour's walk away.
Fiction book (1997) -
Up on her toes, a pale blue then white spotlight followed her around the stage.
Fiction book (1993) -
Follow my rhythm!
-
The violinist and vocalist were asked to follow typical performance practices of the pieces, including characteristic expressivity.
Academic text (2013)
Synonyms
8
3.8
To play music to support a singer or musician
3
3.4
To make music with another person or a recording
Idioms
To do the same job as someone who came before you, for example a parent
Phrasal Verbs
427
3.6
To take further action after something starts to make sure it finishes or succeeds
Compounds
- UK
4
9.1
A rule in cricket making a team bat again immediately after a very low first innings score
- Specialized
2
4.9
The forward movement after a hit or swing that finishes the action smoothly
How Closely
Surface Forms
Etymology
Follow comes from an old English word folgian that meant 'to accompany' or 'to go after'. So when a musician follows another, they are playing along with them and matching their timing or changes.