What does duo mean Meaning and Definition
What does duo mean
Pronunciation
/ˈduːoʊ/
Part of Speech
Noun or musical ensemble term
Definition
1. A pair of two musicians, typically one man and one woman, performing together as a vocal or instrumental group. 2. A type of music that originated in ancient Greece and involves a dialogue between two people or a singer and a musical instrument.
Examples
- The jazz duo performed at the nightclub last night.
- The baroque era saw a resurgence in the use of duo in musical compositions.
Synonyms
- Duet
- Pair
- Binary
Antonyms
- Solo
- Group
Etymology
The word ‘duo’ originates from the Latin term ‘duo’, meaning two, which was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root ‘dwos’. In ancient Greece, the term ‘duos’ referred to a musical dialogue between two people.
Usage Notes
In modern music, the term ‘duo’ can refer to a variety of musical ensembles, from jazz and classical to pop and rock. The word can also be used to describe a pair of people performing together in other contexts, such as dance or theater.
Cultural References
The concept of a duo has been featured in various forms of media, including movies, books, and music. Examples include the popular movie ‘Across the Universe’, which features a range of musical duos, and the novel ‘The Paris Wife’ by Paula McLain, which explores the life of Hadley Richardson and her relationship with Ernest Hemingway.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘In harmony’, ‘in perfect sync’, or ‘in tune’ are idiomatic expressions that convey the idea of a duo working together in harmony.
Related Words or Phrases
Trio, quartet, ensemble, and ensemble piece are all related words or phrases that refer to musical combinations of different sizes.
Collocations
A well-known collocation is ‘jazz duo’, which combines the musical style with the size of the group.
Frequency of Use
The word ‘duo’ is relatively common in modern language, particularly in the context of music and other performing arts.
Common Misspellings
The most common misspelling of the word ‘duo’ is ‘duoos’ or ‘dyeo’, although this is relatively rare.
Examples of Misspellings in Texts
‘I loved watching the dweos at the comedy club.’