Acoustic: Definition, Usage & Key Examples

Meaning 1：non-amplified (acoustic)

acoustic 🔊

/əˈkuːstɪk/

adj.

It describes music or sound that is produced naturally, without using electronic equipment to make it louder.

non-amplified 🔊

➕

/nɒn ˈæmplɪfaɪd/

adj.

This meaning refers specifically to sound, especially music, that is produced and heard in its natural state without the use of electronic amplification or effects.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'akoustikos' (pertaining to hearing), from 'akouein' (to hear).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of the sound you hear in an 'acoustic' CAVE—it's natural, echoing without speakers.

📖 Example

We decided to have an acoustic set at the campfire, with just a guitar and our voices under the stars. 🔊 We opted for a musical performance without amplification at the campfire, featuring only a guitar and our singing.

🔗 Collocations

acoustic guitar – a guitar that produces sound naturally through its hollow body, without electronic pickups.

acoustic performance – a live musical show played without electric instruments or sound systems.

acoustic environment – the ambient sound characteristics of a particular space.

🔄 Synonyms

unplugged (adj.) – Informal term for music performed without electronic amplification.

natural-sounding (adj.) – Describing sound that is not artificially altered or enhanced.

unaided (adj.) – Produced or functioning without the help of electronic devices (specific to sound).

🚫 Antonyms

amplified (adj.) – Sound that is made louder using electronic equipment.

electronic (adj.) – Relating to or produced by electronic instruments or sound processing.

digital (adj.) – Involving or relating to the use of computer technology to produce or modify sound.

🌱 Derivatives

acoustically (adv.) – In a way that relates to sound or hearing; without electronic amplification.

acoustics (n.) – The properties or qualities of a room or building that determine how sound is transmitted in it.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'acoustic' has a rich history tied to the physics of sound. It evolved from Greek roots via French and Latin, entering English in the 17th century. Its modern link to 'acoustic music' became prominent in the 20th century with the advent of electric amplification, creating a distinction between natural and electronically produced sound.