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Downbeat vs Backbeat - What's the difference?

downbeat | backbeat |

In lang=en terms the difference between downbeat and backbeat

is that downbeat is the accented beat at the beginning of a bar (indicated by a conductor with a downward stroke while backbeat is the sharp accent on the second and fourth beats of rock music in 4/4 time.

As an adjective downbeat

is sad or pessimistic.

downbeat

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • (music) The accented beat at the beginning of a bar (indicated by a conductor with a downward stroke)

    • Related terms

    * (l)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • sad or pessimistic
    • He sounded downbeat when asked about his future plans.

    Antonyms

    * upbeat

    Anagrams

    *

    backbeat

    English

    Alternative forms

    * back beat

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (music) The sharp accent on the second and fourth beats of rock music in 4/4 time.
    • Just let me hear some of that rock and roll music / Any old way you choose it / It's got a back beat , you can't lose it, / Any old time you use it / It's gotta be rock and roll music / If you wanna dance with me'' - Chuck Berry - ''Rock and Roll Music