What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
portamento
Example
The violinist used portamento to create a smooth transition between the notes. [portamento: noun]
Example
She sang the song with a beautiful portamento, adding a touch of emotion to the melody. [portamento: adjective]
sweep
Example
The guitarist played a sweeping arpeggio that filled the room with sound. [sweeping: adjective]
Example
The synthesizer created a sweeping effect that moved from low to high frequencies. [sweep: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sweep is more commonly used than portamento in modern music, especially in electronic and pop genres. Portamento is more commonly used in classical music and has a more limited application.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between portamento and sweep?
Portamento is typically associated with a formal and classical tone, while sweep is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
