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Ballad vs Descant - What's the difference?

ballad | descant | Related terms |

Ballad is a related term of descant.


In lang=en terms the difference between ballad and descant

is that ballad is to compose or sing ballads while descant is to sing or play a descant.

As nouns the difference between ballad and descant

is that ballad is a kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas while descant is a lengthy discourse on a subject.

As verbs the difference between ballad and descant

is that ballad is (obsolete) to make mention of in ballads while descant is to discuss at length.

ballad

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; especially, a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.
  • The poet composed a ballad praising the heroic exploits of the fallen commander.
  • A slow romantic pop song.
  • On Friday nights, the roller rink had a time-block called "Lovers' Lap" when they played nothing but ballads on the overhead speakers.

    Quotations

    * 1885, *: A wandering minstrel I — *: A thing of shreds and patches, *: Of ballads , songs and snatches,

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To make mention of in ballads.
  • To compose or sing ballads.
  • descant

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A lengthy discourse on a subject
  • * De Quincey
  • Upon that simplest of themes how magnificent a descant !
  • (music) a counterpoint melody sung or played above the theme
  • Verb

    (en verb)
  • To discuss at length.
  • *{{quote-book, year=1913, author=
  • , title=Lord Stranleigh Abroad , chapter=4 citation , passage=“… This is a surprise attack, and I’d no wish that the garrison, forewarned, should escape. I am sure, Lord Stranleigh, that he has been descanting on the distraction of the woods and the camp, or perhaps the metropolitan dissipation of Philadelphia, …”}}
  • To sing or play a descant.
  • Quotations

    * 1919, , Duckworth, hardback edition, page 121 *: Involving some interesting, intellectual trips, she was descanting lightly to right and left.

    Anagrams

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