What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orchestral
Example
The orchestral performance was breathtaking. [orchestral: adjective]
Example
The conductor asked for more emphasis on the orchestral section. [orchestral: noun]
symphonic
Example
The symphonic piece was composed by Beethoven. [symphonic: adjective]
Example
The conductor emphasized the importance of the symphonic structure in the piece. [symphonic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Orchestral is more commonly used than symphonic in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term. However, symphonic is more commonly used in academic or musical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orchestral and symphonic?
Symphonic is generally considered more formal than orchestral, due to its academic connotation and specific usage in musical contexts.
