Trio

Definition

A trio is a group of three people or things.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtriːoʊ/
• Respelling: TREE-oh (with "TREE" as in "tree" and "oh" as in "oh")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtriːəʊ/
• Respelling: TREE-oh (similar to American English, with "TREE" as in "tree" and "oh" like in "oh")

In both dialects, "trio" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable "TREE," which is the same as the word "tree," followed by "oh," which sounds like the exclamation "oh." The pronunciation of "trio" is quite similar between American and British English.

Etymology

Derived from the Italian term "trio", which means "three". It's further originated from the Latin word "triad-", which stands for "threefold", from "tres" meaning "three".

Derivatives

• Triolet
• Triad
• Triadic
• Trio-sonata
• Triumvirate

Synonyms

• Triad
• Threesome
• Triplet

Antonyms

• Solo
• Duo
• Quartet

Usage

• "The jazz band's trio played a soulful rendition of the classic song."
• "The detective trio solved the case together."

Related Terms

• Quartet
• Duet
• Ensemble
• Group
• Band

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Group of Three: A collection or grouping of three persons or things.
• Example: The dessert was a trio of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice creams.

• Music: A composition for three voices or instruments.
• Example: The piano trio was played beautifully during the recital._‍
• _{In this sentence, "The piano trio" refers to a piece of music for three instruments. The sentence is in the passive voice, indicating that the piece (the composition) was performed beautifully by an unspecified subject.}

• Part of Sonata: In music, especially a minuet or scherzo, the third and usually lighter and faster section.
• Example: The trio section of the minuet provided a stark contrast to its surrounding parts.