chorus
chorus — noun
1. the section listeners hear again between verses in a song, made to be easy to re
the section listeners hear again between verses in a song, made to be easy to remember and sing along to
Everyone in the pub joined in when the chorus of the old folk song began.
collocation: join in the chorus
The children learned the chorus of the pop song after hearing it just twice.
pattern: chorus of [song]
A good chorus repeats a simple but memorable phrase that listeners can sing back.
Before the show, the band practiced the final chorus until every note was perfect.
At the concert, the crowd sang the chorus so loudly the singer stopped.
2. a musical work composed for singers in a choir, often belonging to a larger piec
a musical work composed for singers in a choir, often belonging to a larger piece like an opera or oratorio
The choir spent three months learning the famous chorus from Handel's Messiah.
collocation: chorus from [work]
The composer wrote a new chorus for the cathedral choir to sing at Easter.
That opera opens with a powerful chorus sung by dozens of voices in harmony.
The audience sat in silence as the chorus from the oratorio filled the hall.
- choral piece
a more general term for any music written for a choir
- chorale
a specific type of hymn tune, especially in German Protestant music
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (REFRAIN): this sense refers to a complete musical piece intended for choir performance, not to a repeated section of a popular song.
3. singers who perform together as a trained team, often appearing in churches, sch
singers who perform together as a trained team, often appearing in churches, schools, or concert halls
The school chorus meets every Tuesday afternoon in the music room.
grammar: takes singular verb for a group unit
Ravi joined the local chorus because he wanted to sing with other people.
The chorus have all learned their parts for the winter concert next month.
Dr. Okafor has directed the city chorus for over fifteen years.
Our chorus welcomed thirty new members from different neighbourhoods this year.
- choir
often used for religious groups; in many contexts interchangeable with chorus
- vocal ensemble
more formal term for a small group of trained singers
用法筆記
Can take a singular verb (the chorus performs) when seen as a single unit, or a plural verb (the chorus perform) when referring to individual members. Choir is a close synonym but tends to be used for religious singing groups, while chorus is more general.
4. singers and dancers in a musical or stage production who perform together as a s
singers and dancers in a musical or stage production who perform together as a supporting team behind the main characters
The chorus in the musical wore bright gold costumes and danced across the stage.
collocation: the chorus in [production]
After weeks of rehearsal, the chorus performed every number without a single mistake.
At the school musical, the chorus sang and danced around Dorothy on the yellow brick road.
The director asked the chorus to move to the left during the second song.
- ensemble
broader term for a group of performers working together in a show
- corps de ballet
specifically the dance group in a ballet production
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3 (SINGING GROUP): this sense specifically refers to performers in a theatrical production who both sing and dance, not to a standalone concert choir.
5. in ancient Athenian theatre, performers who sang, danced, and recited poetry tog
in ancient Athenian theatre, performers who sang, danced, and recited poetry together to offer commentary on the drama unfolding before the audience
In Sophocles' plays, the chorus often warned the hero about the dangers of pride.
domain: ancient Greek drama
The twelve members of the chorus wore masks and moved in perfect unison.
The chorus in Greek tragedy explained the deeper meaning behind the events on stage.
During a performance of Sophocles' Antigone at the outdoor theatre, the chorus warned King Creon of the gods' anger.
用法筆記
Always refers to the historical convention of ancient Greek theatre (5th century BCE). Do not confuse with the modern theatrical chorus (sense 4 — SHOW ENSEMBLE), which serves a supporting role rather than a commenting one.
6. a situation where many voices share a common emotion or opinion in unison, produ
a situation where many voices share a common emotion or opinion in unison, producing a unified sound
A chorus of cheers erupted from the crowd when the winning goal was scored.
pattern: a chorus of [sound/response]
Closing the library drew a chorus of angry protests from local families.
A chorus of voices called for help after the building collapsed in the storm.
The teacher was greeted by a chorus of happy hellos from the children every morning.
There was a chorus of agreement around the table when Leila suggested a break.
- silence
the absence of any shared sound or reaction
用法筆記
Typically used with of followed by a collective noun (a chorus of cheers/protests/approval). The phrase in chorus means 'all together' and functions as an adverb: 'The children answered in chorus.'
常見錯誤
chorus — verb
1. to have several speakers say the same words together, typically as a shared resp
to have several speakers say the same words together, typically as a shared response to something that has just happened or been said
When the teacher asked who wanted a break, the whole class chorused 'Yes!'
transitive: chorus + direct quote
The guests chorused congratulations as the happy couple walked into the room.
transitive: chorus + noun phrase
The children chorused in excitement when they saw the birthday cake with candles.
The fans chorused the team's anthem before the match began.
- chant
more rhythmic and repetitive; often used for protests or sports events
- sing in unison
specifically about singing rather than speaking
- say in unison
more literal and less common in everyday use
用法筆記
Almost always used with a group subject (the crowd, the class, the audience). When followed by a direct quote, no comma or conjunction is needed: 'They chorused "Happy Birthday!"'