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unvocal

American  
[uhn-voh-kuhl] / ʌnˈvoʊ kəl /

adjective

  1. not outspoken; reserved; not eloquent in speech; inarticulate.

  2. not mellifluous, as the speaking voice.

  3. not melodious; unmusical.

    unvocal attempts at writing art songs.


Etymology

Origin of unvocal

First recorded in 1765–75; un- 1 + vocal


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Even in the 'sixties, when nothing later than Lohengrin was known, the charge was brought against the composer that his music was unvocal and could not be sung —the Mastersingers was his answer.

From Richard Wagner Composer of Operas by John F. Runciman

The very word cantabile emphasizes, by antithesis, the unvocal character of the old florid style.

From Chopin and Other Musical Essays by Henry Theophilus Finck

Personally, I admire them very much, but they seem unvocal, and Italy is nothing if not vocal.

From Great Singers on the Art of Singing Educational Conferences with Foremost Artists by James Francis Cooke

In the second-story front room at Mrs. McKee's, the barytone slept heavily, and made divers unvocal sounds.

From K by Mary Roberts Rinehart

The change in public opinion is strikingly illustrated in regard to the songs, which, once voted ineffective and unvocal, have now taken a place in every eminent singer’s repertory.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 4 "Bradford, William" to "Brequigny, Louis" by Various

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