How Do You Spell DANCE MACABRE?

Pronunciation: [dˈans məkˈɑːbɹə] (IPA)

The correct spelling of "dance macabre" is actually "danse macabre" in French, which translates to "dance of death." The "s" at the end of "danse" is silent, and the "c" in "macabre" is pronounced as "k" in the IPA phonetic transcription. Therefore, the correct pronunciation of "danse macabre" is [dɑ̃s məˈkɑːb], with emphasis on the first syllable of "macabre." This term is often used to describe a medieval artistic genre depicting a group of dancing skeletons or other personified representations of death.

Meaning and Definition
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DANCE MACABRE Meaning and Definition

  1. Dance Macabre, also known as the Dance of Death, is a term that encompasses a genre of artistic expression that emerged during the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance period in Europe. It refers to a visual or literary representation that depicts a procession or dance involving both the living and the dead. The term "macabre" derives from the Latin word "macaber," which means "horrifying" or "grim."

    In these artistic depictions, Death is personified as a skeleton or a grim reaper who leads individuals from all walks of life, including kings, nobles, clergy, and commoners, in a lively and often frenzied dance. This imagery serves to represent the inevitable fate of all humans, reminding them of the transience of life and the universal nature of death.

    The dance macabre was not limited to visual art; it also found expression in poetry, music, and theater. It held a prominent place in religious observances, creating a moral message about the futility of worldly endeavors and the need to focus on spiritual salvation.

    The dance macabre often served as a means of social commentary, highlighting the fragility of human life and the leveling effect of death. It also conveyed a sense of irony and dark humor, as death was portrayed as a great equalizer, disregarding social status or earthly possessions.

    Today, the term "dance macabre" is still occasionally used to describe any artistic representation or literary work that deals with the theme of death and its connection to the living.

Common Misspellings for DANCE MACABRE

  • dansse macabre
  • danse macabree
  • dans macabre
  • danse macabr
  • danse macabre
  • Dance Macabere
  • Dance Macbre
  • Dancce Macabre
  • Dance Macabr
  • Danc Macabre

Etymology of DANCE MACABRE

The term "dance macabre" is derived from French. "Dance" translates to "danse" in French, while "macabre" comes from the Latin word "macabrus", which was later introduced into French in the 14th century. The origin of "macabrus" itself is uncertain, but it is believed to have been influenced by the Hebrew word "מָכָבִית" (makābît), meaning "shroud" or "burial cloth". The phrase "dance macabre" refers to a medieval allegorical representation of the universality of death, where death is personified and prompts individuals from different walks of life to dance to their graves.

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