How to Pronounce Polyphony

To pronounce "polyphony", say POLYPH-ony — 2 syllables, IPA /pəˈlɪfəni/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

polyphony

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

9

Letters

/pəˈlɪfəni/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “polyphony”

"polyphony" has 2 syllables: polyph-ony. It rhymes with tiffany and epiphany, if that helps it stick.

What does polyphony mean?

noun

  1. Musical texture consisting of several independent melodic voices, as opposed to music with just one voice (monophony) or music with one dominant melodic voice accompanied by chords (homophony).
  2. The quality of a text of being capable of being read in more than one way.

    “the polyphony of a biblical passage”

Words that rhyme with polyphony

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

tiffanyepiphany

Related words

polyphonismmicropolyphonypolytonalitymultiphonicspolyrhythmpolychordpolymodalitypolyphonia

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "polyphony"?▾

"Polyphony" has 2 syllables: polyph · ony.

What is the IPA transcription of "polyphony"?▾

The IPA transcription of "polyphony" is /pəˈlɪfəni/.

What does "polyphony" mean?▾

Polyphony: Musical texture consisting of several independent melodic voices, as opposed to music with just one voice (monophony) or music with one dominant melodic voice accompanied by chords (homophony).

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