adjective

acoustic

/əˈkuːstɪk/ · say it: uh·KOO·stik

relating to sound, or unamplified instruments

In Arts & Culture

In more detail

1. (adjective) relating to sound or the sense of hearing

2. (adjective) (of a musical instrument) producing sound naturally without electrical amplification

Examples

1. The concert hall has excellent acoustic properties.
2. He plays an acoustic guitar, not an electric one.

How to use acoustic

Acoustic is used to describe anything involving sound or hearing, with particular prevalence in music to denote unplugged instruments. It contrasts with electric or amplified versions and is common in technical, musical, and construction contexts where sound management or generation is relevant.

Common phrases

acoustic guitar
acoustic properties
acoustic panel
acoustic environment
acoustic engineering
acoustic performance

Synonyms

sonic · auditory · sound-related · unamplified

Opposites

electric · amplified

Word family

acoustics (noun) · acoustician (noun) · acoustically (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'acoustic' to mean 'quiet' or 'soft-sounding,' but it simply means sound-related or unamplified; an acoustic guitar can be quite loud.

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