contrabass

contrabass — noun

IPA/ˈkɒn.trəˌbeɪs/
IPA/ˈkɑːn.trəˌbeɪs/
  • contrabasssingular
  • contrabassesplural

1. a very large bowed instrument from the violin family, played upright to supply t

1.nounC1
Definition

a very large bowed instrument from the violin family, played upright to supply the deepest notes in a band or orchestra

Example

Otis rented a contrabass for the youth orchestra's spring tour.

collocation: rent a contrabass

Bao leaned the contrabass against the studio wall after playing the lowest line.

context: playing the lowest line

Common collocations
  • play the contrabass
  • tune the contrabass
  • carry a contrabass
  • contrabass part
Synonyms
  • double bass

    the usual everyday name for this instrument

  • upright bass

    common in jazz and popular-music contexts

  • string bass

    an older label, especially in some American school settings

Usage Note

In everyday English, many musicians call this instrument a double bass. Contrabass sounds more formal or technical.

2. an instrument whose range sits below the ordinary bass version in the same famil

2.nounC2
Definition

an instrument whose range sits below the ordinary bass version in the same family, giving it a much deeper sound

Example

Mayumi studies the contrabass recorder because she loves very low notes.

pattern: contrabass + instrument name

Talia heard a contrabass clarinet in the school band's warm-up.

Common collocations
  • contrabass clarinet
  • contrabass recorder
  • contrabass flute
  • contrabass version

Usage Note

This sense usually appears with the full instrument name, such as contrabass clarinet or contrabass recorder, rather than standing alone.

Common Mistakes

The school bought a contrabass for the clarinet section.
The school bought a contrabass clarinet for the clarinet section.
This broader sense usually needs the full instrument name.

contrabass — adjective

IPA/ˈkɒntrəbeɪs/
IPA/ˈkɑːntrəbeɪs/

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These words usually name the same large string instrument, but they appear in different situations. Double bass is the broadest term and works well in classical, school, and general music talk. Upright bass is common when speakers want to contrast the instrument with an electric bass guitar, especially in jazz or pop settings. String bass is also understood, but it can sound older or more American in school music programs. Contrabass is the most technical label and often appears in formal writing, catalogues, or instrument lists. A teacher might say, "Please tune the double bass before rehearsal," while a repair shop form might list the same instrument as a contrabass.

double bassupright bassstring bass

Etymology

LatinItalianEnglish

Contrabass came into English through Italian contrabbasso. The first part means "against" or "opposite," and the second means "low," so the word originally described a bass instrument that sounds even lower than another bass instrument.