symphony

symphony — noun

1. a long musical composition written to be performed by a large orchestra, usually

1.nounB1
Definition

a long musical composition written to be performed by a large orchestra, usually divided into several separate parts called movements

Example

The conductor led the orchestra through Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 with great energy.

possessive + composer's name + Symphony + number

Yuki listened to a symphony by Mahler while studying for her history exam.

a symphony by + [composer]

Common collocations
  • compose a symphony
  • write a symphony
  • perform a symphony
  • conduct a symphony
  • symphony movement
  • first / second / final movement
Synonyms
  • orchestral work

    broader term; any piece written for an orchestra, not necessarily in symphonic form

  • symphonic composition

    slightly more formal term for a symphony

  • sonata

    similar structure but written for a solo instrument or small ensemble, not a full orchestra

Grammar Patterns

possessive + symphony + number (Beethoven's Fifth Symphony)

symphony in + key + number (symphony in C minor)

Usage Note

When referring to a specific numbered symphony, the word and number are usually capitalized and preceded by the composer's name: Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Mahler's Symphony No. 2.

Common Mistakes

I listened to a symphony song on the radio.
I listened to a symphony on the radio.
A symphony is a type of musical composition, not a song (which usually has sung words).
She wrote a new symphony piece for the orchestra.
She wrote a new symphony for the orchestra.
'Symphony' already refers to the piece itself; 'symphony piece' is redundant.

2. a large orchestra that regularly performs classical music, especially symphonies

2.nounB2
Definition

a large orchestra that regularly performs classical music, especially symphonies, or the organization that runs such an orchestra

Example

The city symphony is looking for a new conductor to lead next season's concerts.

the + [city] + symphony

Aylin auditioned for the symphony and was offered a position as second violinist.

audition for + the symphony

Common collocations
  • city symphony
  • local symphony
  • symphony season
  • symphony conductor
  • symphony hall
  • join a symphony
  • audition for a symphony
Synonyms
  • orchestra

    broader term; any group of musicians playing together, not necessarily a symphony orchestra

  • philharmonic

    a type of symphony orchestra; the terms are largely interchangeable in modern usage

  • symphony orchestra

    the full, formal name for this type of musical group

Grammar Patterns

the + [city] + symphony

symphony + verb (audition / perform / tour)

Usage Note

In this sense, 'symphony' is a shortened form of 'symphony orchestra.' It usually refers to the organization as a whole — including the musicians, management, and administration — not just the group of players on stage.

Common Mistakes

She plays in a symphony.' (when meaning she plays in a symphony orchestra)
She plays in a symphony orchestra.
'Symphony' alone can mean the orchestra informally, but 'symphony orchestra' is clearer and more common in formal contexts.
The symphony song was beautiful.
The symphony orchestra's performance was beautiful.
'Symphony' as an orchestra does not modify 'song'.

Word family

  • symphonic
    adjectiveB2
  • symphonically
    adverbC1
  • symphonist
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A symphony is a large-scale work for a full orchestra, typically with multiple movements — the most formal and substantial type of orchestral composition. An orchestral work is any piece written for an orchestra, which could be shorter or less structured than a symphony. A concerto features a solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment, whereas a symphony gives equal weight to all sections. A sonata shares the multi-movement structure but is written for one or a few instruments, not an orchestra. A symphonic poem is a single-movement orchestral piece that tells a story or paints a picture, unlike the abstract multi-movement form of a symphony. For example, Beethoven's Fifth is a symphony, while 'The Moldau' by Smetana is a symphonic poem.

orchestral workconcertosonatasymphonic poem

Common collocations

Nouns

  • symphony concert
  • symphony performance
  • symphony recording
  • symphony hall

Prepositions

  • by (a symphony by Mahler)
  • in (symphony in C minor)

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'symphony' comes from the Greek 'symphonia', meaning 'agreement of sound' — from 'syn-' (together) and 'phone' (sound, voice). It passed into Latin as 'symphonia', then into Old French as 'symphonie', and finally into English in the 13th century. Originally it referred to any pleasant combination of sounds or instruments playing together. By the 16th century it began to be used for instrumental musical pieces, and by the 18th century it had settled into its modern meaning: a long composition for a full orchestra.