What does "diapason" mean?
The musical octave.
Diapason
/daɪəˈpeɪzən/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The musical octave.
- Grammar: diapason is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: accord, accordance, aim, air.
- Usage evidence: 2 to 1, which is a duple ratio, forms the [symphony] diapason
How to use "diapason"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "diapason" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "diapason" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "diapason" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accord" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The musical octave.
"2 to 1, which is a duple ratio, forms the [symphony] diapason"
- 2 either of the two main stops on a pipe organ wordnet
- 3 The range or scope of something, especially of notes in a scale, or of a particular musical instrument. broadly, literary
"The glories and the beauties of form, color, and sound unite in the Grand Canyon—forms unrivaled even by the mountains, colors that vie with sunsets, and sounds that span the diapason from tempest to tinkling raindrop, from cataract to bubbling fountain."
- 4 A tonal grouping of the flue pipes of a pipe organ.
- 5 One of the lowest strings on an archlute, theorbo, chitarrone, or similar bass lute-family instrument, usually unfrettable.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A harmonious outpouring of sound.
"That we on Earth with undiscording voice May rightly answer that melodious noise; As once we did, till disproportion'd sin Jarr'd against natures chime, and with harsh din Broke the fair musick that all creatures made To their great Lord, whose love their motion sway'd In perfect Diapason, whilst they stood In first obedience, and their state of good."
Example
"2 to 1, which is a duple ratio, forms the [symphony] diapason"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "diapason"?
Common synonyms include: accord, accordance, aim, air, apollo, attune.
How do you use "diapason" in a sentence?
2 to 1, which is a duple ratio, forms the [symphony] diapason
How do you pronounce "diapason"?
Pronounced /daɪəˈpeɪzən/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin diapason, from Ancient Greek διαπασῶν (diapasôn), that is διά (diá, “through”) + πασῶν (pasôn, “all”) (χορδῶν (khordôn, “notes”)), “through all (notes)”.