What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discant
Example
The discant part in this piece is quite challenging for the sopranos. [discant: noun]
Example
The recorder player added a beautiful discant to the ensemble. [discant: adjective]
descant
Example
The choir sang a beautiful descant during the final chorus. [descant: noun]
Example
The violinist played a lovely descant to accompany the singer. [descant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Descant is more commonly used than discant in contemporary music and is more likely to be understood by most people.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between discant and descant?
Both discant and descant are formal words that are typically used in the context of music theory or performance.
