bossa nova

USAGE SUMMARY

"bossa nova" is a phrase that can be used in written English.
It refers to a type of Brazilian music that combines elements of samba and jazz. For example, "The restaurant was filled with the light, romantic rhythms of bossa nova music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Buy: iTunes Genre: Bossa nova Artist: Nara Leão Song: Chega de Saudade Album: Pure Bossa Nova: A View on the Music of Nara Leão.

Huffington Post

Shuffling bossa nova beat.

Stanford University

With bossa nova beats.

The Guardian - Travel

Read more about Bossa Nova.

University of California, Berkeley

Bossa nova with your beef?

The New York Times - Travel

Bossa nova did the opposite.

The Guardian - Music

Not just the bossa nova".

The New York Times

Doug Munro's Big Boss Bossa Nova.

The New York Times

I listen to jazz or bossa nova.

Stanford University

The lilting bossa nova was his favorite.

The Washington Post

The Bossa Nova Beatniks, jazz-fusion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "bossa nova", provide context about its Brazilian origins or its blend of samba and jazz to enhance reader understanding.

Common error

Avoid describing any Brazilian music as "bossa nova". The term specifically refers to the genre blending samba and jazz that emerged in the late 1950s.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bossa nova" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a specific genre of Brazilian music that blends samba and jazz. As supported by Ludwig, it can also function as an adjective describing something related to this genre, like a "bossa nova beat".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bossa nova" is a commonly used phrase referring to a Brazilian music genre that blends samba and jazz. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing about "bossa nova", consider providing context about its Brazilian origins or its unique blend of musical styles. Be mindful not to use the term loosely for any Brazilian music, as it specifically refers to this hybrid genre. Common authoritative sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Brazilian jazz

Focuses on the jazz influence in bossa nova.

Samba jazz

Highlights the samba roots mixed with jazz.

Jazz-influenced samba

Highlights the key musical influences that define the genre.

The girl from Ipanema genre

Relates the music to a very popular and iconic song in this style.

Brazilian music style

A broader term encompassing bossa nova.

Jobim's style

Refers to the style of Antônio Carlos Jobim, a key figure in bossa nova.

Rio de Janeiro music

Refers to the music originating from Rio, where bossa nova was born.

Cool samba

Emphasizes the relaxed and sophisticated nature of the music.

Modern samba

Positions bossa nova as an evolved form of traditional samba.

Brazilian acoustic music

Focuses on the instrumentation commonly used in bossa nova.

FAQs

How can I describe "bossa nova"?

You can describe "bossa nova" as a Brazilian music genre blending samba and jazz, known for its sophisticated harmonies and mellow rhythms.

What are some key characteristics of "bossa nova" music?

Key characteristics include a relaxed tempo, complex harmonies, and a focus on acoustic instruments. You can also say is a genre related to "samba jazz".

How is "bossa nova" different from traditional samba?

"Bossa nova" incorporates jazz harmonies and a smoother, more sophisticated sound compared to the more rhythmic and percussion-heavy traditional samba. Also uses some elements of "Brazilian jazz".

Can "bossa nova" be used to describe things other than music?

While primarily used to describe the music genre, "bossa nova" can also be used metaphorically to describe a relaxed or sophisticated atmosphere. Remember this expression is "Brazilian music style".