The musical word “bass” is “simply a modified spelling” of the adjective “base” (meaning low), John Ayto writes in the Dictionary of Word Origins.
Is the word base or bass?
While these words often sound similar, they are very different! Remember: Bass is a noun that refers to a kind of fish or a musical sound. Base has many meanings as a noun (e.g., the lowest or main part of something), as well as a few uses as a verb and an adjective.
Is bass and bass spelled the same?
Bass and bass are two words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. We will examine the definitions of the words bass and bass, where these words came from, and a few examples of their use in sentences.
Why is it spelled bass and not base?
basson, comparative of bathys “deep.” So bass in the musical sense has its origins in base, and the current spelling is influenced by the Italian basso. In other words, the spelling changed out from under the pronunciation.
What do you mean by bass?
Definition of bass (Entry 3 of 4) 1a : the lowest voice part in a 4-part chorus. b : the lower half of the whole vocal or instrumental tonal range — compare treble entry 1. c : the lowest adult male singing voice also : a person having this voice.
Is bass a scrabble word?
Yes, bass is in the scrabble dictionary.
Where does the word bass come from?
From Middle English bace, bas, alteration of bars, from Old English bærs (“a fish, perch”), from Proto-West Germanic *bars, from Proto-Germanic *barsaz (“perch”, literally “prickly”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰórsos (“prickle, thorn, scale”). Cognate with Dutch baars (“perch, bass”), German Barsch (“perch”).
Which came first bass or bass?
They developed independently, one (the fish) from Germanic and one (the deep sound) from Latin. Their similar spellings in modern English are merely coincidental. The fishy “bass” (rhymes with “grass”) arrived much earlier than the musical “bass” (rhymes with “grace”), so we’ll discuss the fish first.
Is it called a bass or a bass guitar?
A bass guitar (also called an electric bass or bass) is a string instrument which is related to the electric guitar. The bass guitar is shaped like an electric guitar, but it is longer than an electric guitar. The electric bass has many of the same parts as an electric guitar.
Why bass is not a guitar?
Differences between a bass and a guitar
The frets on a bass guitar are wider than those on a guitar. Bass strings are wider (i.e. have a larger diameter) than guitar strings. (Bass strings can’t be used on a guitar, and vice versa.) Bassists generally play single note lines and don’t usually play chords.
How do British people say vase?
If you’re like most Canadians or some Americans, you’ll say vāz. But if you’re British or like some Canadians or even a few Americans, you’ll say väz. Vās, vāz, väz.
How do the British pronounce base?
Below is the UK transcription for ‘base’: Modern IPA: bɛ́js. Traditional IPA: beɪs. 1 syllable: “BAYS”
How do you use bass in a sentence?
He has a beautiful bass voice.
What is another name for bass?
What is another word for bass?
| deep | low |
|---|---|
| throaty | baritone |
| booming | low-voiced |
| resounding | rumbling |
| rich | alto |
Is bass a sound or a feeling?
Bass: the Physical Sensation of Sound.
Is Bass a verb or noun?
noun, plural (especially collectively) bass, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) bass·es. any of numerous edible, spiny-finned, freshwater or marine fishes of the families Serranidae and Centrarchidae.
What is the noun for bass?
bass 1Definitions and Synonyms
| singular | bass |
|---|---|
| plural | basses |
Is Oreo a Scrabble word?
OREO is not a valid scrabble word.
Can u eat bass?
Whether you fish freshwater or saltwater, bass can make a delicious meal. The meat holds up well to nearly any preparation. It is well complemented by most spice and seasoning mixes as well. If you’ve never thought to give bass a try, it’s well worth it.
When was the word bass invented?
1500, from bass (adj.) or the cognate noun in Italian. The meaning “singer having a bass voice” is from 1590s. The meaning “bass-viol” is from 1702; that of “double-bass” is from 1927.
Is bass a male or female?
A bass is a type of classical male singing voice and has the lowest vocal range of all voice types.