viola Definition
- 1a musical instrument of the violin family, larger than the violin and tuned a fifth lower
- 2a plant of the violet family, typically having purple, blue, or white flowers
Using viola: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "viola" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She played the viola in the orchestra.
Example
The viola has a deeper sound than the violin.
Example
The garden was filled with beautiful violas.
viola Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for viola
- flower
- stringed instrument
Phrases with viola
a bowed stringed instrument of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, held between the legs like a cello
Example
The viola da gamba was a popular instrument in the 17th century.
viola d'amore
a stringed instrument of the violin family, with sympathetic strings that vibrate with the main strings
Example
The viola d'amore is rarely used in modern music.
bird's-foot violet
a small violet with leaves resembling a bird's foot, native to North America
Example
The bird's-foot violet is a rare and endangered species.
Origins of viola
from Italian 'viola', meaning 'violet'
Summary: viola in Brief
The term 'viola' [vahy-uh-luh] refers to two distinct things: a musical instrument of the violin family, but larger and tuned a fifth lower, and a plant of the violet family, typically with purple, blue, or white flowers. Examples include 'She played the viola in the orchestra.' and 'The garden was filled with beautiful violas.' The viola also has variations like the 'viola da gamba' and 'viola d'amore,' while the flower includes the 'bird's-foot violet.'
