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riff
1[ rif ]
noun
- Jazz. a melodic phrase, often constantly repeated, forming an accompaniment or part of an accompaniment for a soloist.
- a new variation on or a different manifestation of an existing thing or idea (often followed by on ):
This is an eco-conscious riff on the study-abroad experience.
verb (used without object)
- Jazz. to perform a repeated melodic phrase, forming an accompaniment for a soloist.
- to experiment with a thing or idea, making changes that create a new and novel version of it (often followed by on ):
My partner likes to let his ideas quietly simmer, but I prefer to riff on mine in conversations where I can bounce my thoughts off other people.
- to create, write, or perform something, like a comedy routine, using a common or known point of departure and following a previously unexplored tangent from that known point to a fresh or humorous perspective (often followed by on or off ):
My act riffs off famous love stories and adds modern feminist elements to unmask the absurdity of “happily ever after” in fairy tales.
riff
/ ɪ /
noun
- (in jazz or rock music) a short series of chords
verb
- intr to play or perform riffs in jazz or rock music
- informal.to speak amusingly or make (amusing comments or remarks)
Other Word Forms
- 龱f· adjective noun
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of riff1
Example Sentences
So I sent Joe these videos of me singing this little chorus and told him how the riff goes.
Whenever he's working on a new design, Vella says he looks for "something that just makes you tap into what they're doing and you just riff on that".
The band's first release since the departure of frontman Isaac Wood, it trades itchy, off-centre guitar riffs for a more soothing, baroque-pop sound, with lyrics that focus on friendship and camaraderie.
The music was loud and fast, with pummeling guitar riffs that made the idea of a fourth chord seem like an immoral extravagance.
Without the aid of a back track, her soulful and silky voice carried throughout the large venue as she riffed and showed off her impressive vocal range.
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