noun

etude

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Etude (noun) means a short musical piece composed so a performer can drill a specific technique. Example: “The pianist practised a Chopin etude every morning.”

noun

music A short musical piece composed so a performer can drill a specific technique.

"The pianist practised a Chopin etude every morning."

"Her teacher assigned a new etude to build up her finger strength."

"He wrote the etude to help students build a particular technique."

How to use etude

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA short musical piece written to help a musician practise a particular skill.

When to use it

A musical term, used mainly by musicians and in discussion of classical music.

Memory tip

The word can also be spelled étude with an accent, and its plural is etudes.

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Common pairings

piano etude play an etude practise an etude a Chopin etude

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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The pianist practised a Chopin _____ every morning.

Etymology

Borrowed into English around 1837 from the French word étude, meaning study, which itself goes back to the Latin studium. It is a doublet of the English words studio and study, meaning all three ultimately share the same Latin root.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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study

Related words

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Rhymes for etude

nude rude dude Jude crude prude exude elude Maude Laude delude Claude

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Frequently asked questions

What is an etude in music?

It's a short piece written so a musician can work on one specific skill.

Where does the word etude come from?

It was borrowed from the French word étude, meaning study, around 1837, and that French word traces back to the Latin studium.

Is etude just another word for study?

Yes, in music etude is used as a synonym for study, referring to a practice piece.

What is the meaning of etude?

"etude" (noun) means a short musical piece composed so a performer can drill a specific technique.

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