How Do You Spell COMMON MEASURE?

1. Common measure refers to a musical term primarily used in Western classical music, particularly in vocal music. It is a rhythmic pattern or time signature in which the beat is divided into equal parts or subunits. This division is usually performed by using notes of the same duration and is commonly found in hymns, folk songs, and other types of simple, straightforward melodies.

   In common measure, each measure or bar consists of four beats, with each beat being subdivided into two equal parts, resulting in a total of eight subdivisions in a measure. The time signature is represented as 4/4, indicating four beats per measure, and each beat being a quarter note. This straightforward and symmetrical pattern gives a regular and predictable rhythmic structure to the music.

   Common measure is often associated with lyrics that have a simple, repetitive, and regular structure, which makes it particularly suitable for congregational singing or poetry. The regularity in the time signature aids in maintaining a steady tempo, making it easier for large groups of people to sing or recite together in unison.

   Overall, common measure is a musical convention that provides a rhythmic framework for compositions and performances, and its simplicity and familiarity make it easily recognizable and accessible to both musicians and listeners.

2. A number which will divide each of two or more numbers exactly.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for COMMON MEASURE

The word "common measure" in the context of music has its etymological roots in Old French and Latin.

In Old French, the term "mesure" (meaning "measure") was derived from the Latin word "mensura". In music, "mesure" referred to the division of time in a piece of music, indicating the number of beats in a measure or bar.

"Common" in this context means "shared" or "ordinary", indicating a regular and widely used measure. The term "common measure" came to refer to a particular kind of musical meter commonly used in hymns and folk songs. This meter is also known as "common time" or "four-four time" and consists of four beats per measure, with a quarter note receiving one beat.

So, the term "common measure" combines influences from both Old French and Latin to describe a standard musical meter.

Similar spelling words for COMMON MEASURE

Plural form of COMMON MEASURE is COMMON MEASURES