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Kevin
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July 24, 2023
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Common Questions
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Languages are vast; new words are heard and seen every day. Do you have a curious mind? Are you constantly looking for ways to further your knowledge and understanding of the English language? Then we have another word of the day for you to learn more about.
If you’re Itching to uncover the meaning, origin, history, and usage behind the word encore, let’s dive in.
What Does Encore Mean?
Encore is an adverb referring to when a band replays their last song or final performance. The meaning and definition of encore from the Cambridge Dictionary is a repeating or additional performance at the end of a show —- an encore performance. Encores are called for or requested by the crowd.
While encore only has one meaning or definition, there is a popular American television network STARZ ENCORE that airs old western films.
What Is the Origin of Encore?
The word encore has a rich history. It comes from the French adverb encore, which can mean another, more, even, or still. It can also mean again or some more. When the crowd chants for an encore, it is expected for the band to perform once more or one last time.
Encore comes from the old French encor and old French ancor meaning “furthermore,” “again, some more,” or “again or once more.”
The use of encore hasn’t changed since its initial use in the early 1700s. French men would often insist on an additional performance if they were exceptionally pleased with the musician at the end of the concert.
Why Did Encore Become Popular?
Encore is a word that might not be used in someone’s everyday vocabulary. While it was a very popular word for centuries, that was quite a while ago. That’s not to say this word has become obsolete, even though it’s used less today than it once has.
With that being said, let’s dive a little deeper into the history of encore — here is when and why this word was so popular.
While our generation relies on online streaming services or the radio to enjoy their favorite artist, this wasn’t possible in 1716 when the word encore was coined. There was a time when people only could watch performers or listen to music if it was performed live — which is why encore was used so heavily in the early ages of France.
Nowadays, when you attend a concert or performance, seldom is an encore requested or given, but the artist in the past knew how important it was for everyone to hear their music right then and there — there was no radios or way for them to record the music for later.
The French coined this extra performance as an encore and often chanted it after any performance they witnessed.
Encores weren’t just requested at the concert’s end; crowds even chanted for encores after certain segments of songs or sets. There was a period where encores or requesting an encore was banned from the opera house as these interjections began to seriously pro-long concerts.
The Modern Encore
While encore was coined in the 17th century as was always related to very sophisticated, high-class music like Mozart, once it hit America and other countries, it was used in all sorts of music and performances. You can even expect the word encore to be used in a sarcastic or joking manner.
Even though the word encore started with Mozart, it isn’t just used when expressing the desire to replay a piece of music; you can request an encore at a play or performance. Broadway brought popularity back to the word encore.
As the performers would bow after their long show, the crowd would insist on one more performance, which hasn’t changed today. Like how the people who enjoyed Mozart couldn’t listen to it after the final encore, Broadway shows are live, which means the crowd can only enjoy the show while there.
Requesting an encore may not happen often in concerts anymore, but it’s not uncommon for an encore to be requested at a play.
Encore Synonyms
Synonyms and antonyms are other tools you can use to help broaden your vocabulary. According to a thesaurus, here are the synonyms and antonyms of encore.
- Again
- Recall
- Anew
- Brava
- Repeat performance
- Once-more
- Final number
- Repeat
- Reappearance
Examples of Encore
Encore has one definition in the American English dictionary, so here are some example sentences of the word encore to help you better understand this word.
It’s every performer’s dream to have the crowd cheer for an encore.
I did not do an encore; it felt like a goodbye.
The crowd managed to get an encore out of them.
The crowd wasn’t cheering for an encore because they were not impressed with the overall performance.
Sometimes, the audience demands one final encore at the end of a concert.
The Takeaway
If you’re constantly adding words to your word lists in hopes of learning as much as possible, you can go ahead and check encore off your list! Encore has an interesting history —- it is widely used in languages around the world like Korean, Thai, and other countries and cultures.
Times have changed and encore isn’t used as commonly as it once was, but that’s not to say it’s become completely extinct. It’s totally acceptable to use (and hear) encore used today too.
Now next time you attend a concert you’ll know exactly when to request an encore from your favorite artist.
Sources:
Vast Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
