viola
word
/vaɪˈoʊɫə/, /viˈoʊɫə/
vy-OH-luh, vee-OH-luh
/vaɪˈəʊlə/, /viˈəʊlə/
vy-OH-luh, vee-OH-luh
Definition
A viola is a musical instrument in the string family, slightly larger than a violin, with a deeper and richer sound.
Usage & Nuances
'Viola' is formal and mainly used in classical music contexts; it is not pronounced like the name (it is 'vee-OH-luh'). Do not confuse with 'violin' (smaller) or 'cello' (larger, deeper). 'Play the viola' is the standard collocation.
Spanish: violaPortuguese (BR): violaPortuguese (PT): violaChinese (Simplified): 中提琴Chinese (Traditional): 中提琴Hindi: वीओलाArabic: فيولاBengali: ভায়োলাRussian: альтJapanese: ヴィオラVietnamese: violaKorean: 비올라Turkish: viyolaUrdu: ویولاIndonesian: biola alto
Example Sentences
A good viola really stands out in an orchestra's sound.
natural
Not many people choose to play the viola, but it's such a beautiful instrument.
natural
She switched from violin to viola for a deeper sound.
natural
She plays the viola in the school orchestra.
basic
The viola is bigger than the violin.
basic
He bought a new viola last week.
basic