Word
bass
Meanings
a low musical sound or the lowest part in harmony
a musical instrument that plays low notes, especially a bass guitar or double bass
a type of fish, especially one caught for sport or food
Definition
Bass is a low sound or a musical instrument that produces low notes.
Bass refers to the lowest range of musical sounds, often felt as a deep, resonant tone. It can also mean instruments that produce these low notes, such as a bass guitar or a double bass. In another common meaning, bass is a type of fish found in rivers, lakes, or the sea. The correct pronunciation depends on the meaning in context.
Examples
- The bass in that track is so tight that it anchors the whole mix without overpowering the vocals.
- I could hear the bass clearly even from the back of the venue, vibrating through the floor.
- She switched to bass after years of playing guitar, because she loved shaping the groove.
- They grilled the bass with lemon and herbs, keeping the flesh moist and flaky.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the pronunciation, saying /bæs/ for the musical meaning, but the instrument and low-sound meaning are pronounced /beɪs/.
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