non-musical
/ˌnɒnˈmjuː.zɪ.kəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌnɑːnˈmjuː.zɪ.kəl/ (ame, ipa)
non-musical — adjective
1. describing an event, activity, or part of something that does not involve music
describing an event, activity, or part of something that does not involve music in any way
The drama school offers non-musical productions like Shakespeare every spring term.
non-musical + production / play
Gita prefers non-musical films and finds movie soundtracks too distracting.
non-musical + film / movie
The festival included several non-musical activities such as poetry readings and craft workshops.
Esteban joined a non-musical theatre group to focus on his acting and dialogue.
The studio also handles non-musical content like audiobooks and radio dramas.
- spoken
used of plays or pieces without singing or instruments; narrower than non-musical
- instrumental-free
specifically lacking instruments; a narrower technical phrase
- musical
involving or using music, especially as a main feature
文法句型
non-musical event
non-musical activity
non-musical part of [something]
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun naming an event, work, or activity. Distinguish from sense 3, which describes a person who lacks musical skill or interest.
常見錯誤
2. describing a voice or sound that is rough, flat, or harsh, and not pleasant to l
describing a voice or sound that is rough, flat, or harsh, and not pleasant to listen to
Mert spoke in a flat, non-musical voice that made even cheerful news sound dull.
non-musical voice
The old kettle gave off a thin, non-musical whistle every morning in the kitchen.
non-musical + sound noun
Critics described the singer's lower notes as harsh and non-musical.
The crow outside Apinya's window had a loud, non-musical cry that woke the whole house.
The broken violin produced a scratchy, non-musical sound that hurt everyone's ears.
- harsh
unpleasant in a rough, sharp way; common everyday word
- tuneless
lacking a clear melody; usually about singing or whistling
- discordant
sounding out of tune or clashing; more formal
文法句型
non-musical voice
non-musical sound
sound + non-musical
用法筆記
Often paired with adjectives like flat, harsh, or scratchy that describe sound quality. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense always describes how something sounds, not whether it involves music.
常見錯誤
3. describing a person who is not skilled at music or has no real interest in playi
describing a person who is not skilled at music or has no real interest in playing or listening to it
Lan grew up in a completely non-musical family where nobody played an instrument.
non-musical family
Daniel admits he is hopelessly non-musical and cannot hold a single note.
be + non-musical
Even non-musical children enjoy the simple rhythm games at this preschool.
Quan is so non-musical that his friends never invite him to karaoke nights.
The teacher pairs non-musical students with patient classmates during the singing lessons.
文法句型
non-musical person
non-musical child
subject + be + non-musical
用法筆記
Often paired with adverbs like completely, hopelessly, or totally. Subject is usually a person, family, or group of people. Distinguish from sense 1, where the noun is an event or work rather than a person.