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Synkope

syncopation

noun zuen-KOH-pe Rare
Arts & Culture Music

Origin: from Greek synkopē, a cutting together

Also means

displacement of the regular rhythmic accent

Usage Note

Synkope occurs when an offbeat note is held across the beat, creating rhythmic tension. It is foundational in jazz, funk, and reggae, but also appears in classical music and folk traditions.

Examples

"Die Synkopen im Rhythmus gaben dem Song seinen treibenden Charakter."

Natural Translation

The syncopations in the rhythm gave the song its driving character.

Literal Translation

The syncopations in the rhythm gave the song its driving character.

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