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Upbeat vs Backbeat - What's the difference?

upbeat | backbeat |

As nouns the difference between upbeat and backbeat

is that upbeat is an unaccented beat at the start of a musical phrase while backbeat is (music) the sharp accent on the second and fourth beats of rock music in 4/4 time.

As an adjective upbeat

is having a fast pace, tempo, or beat.

upbeat

English

Alternative forms

* up-beat

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having a fast pace, tempo, or beat.
    • The notes are easy, but it's an upbeat tune and should be played fairly quickly.
  • Having a positive, lively, or perky tone, attitude, etc.
    • Though he had bad news, he ended with an upbeat forecast for the future.
    He sounded upbeat when I talked to him.

    Antonyms

    * downbeat

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An unaccented beat at the start of a musical phrase.

    • 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