Enstämmiga

Enstämmiga is the plural form of the Swedish adjective enstämmig, used to describe unity of voice, opinion, or melody among a group. The term can refer to a political or social situation where all participants are in agreement, as well as to a musical performance where all voices or instruments sing or play the same line.

In its first sense, enstämmig means unanimous or in agreement. It is commonly used of votes, decisions, or opinions, for example enstämmiga beslut (unanimous decisions) or enstämmiga röster (unanimous votes). The word emphasizes absence of dissent and full concord within the group.

In music and singing, enstämmig describes performances in unison, where the performers share a single melodic line rather than distinct, independent parts. Thus a choir or ensemble can sing enstämmigt, i.e., in unison, as opposed to singing in harmony or polyphony. The adjective highlights a single, unified melody across voices or instruments.

Morphology and usage: enstämmiga is the plural form used before plural nouns (e.g., enstämmiga röster, enstämmiga beslut). The singular form is enstämmig, and the adverbial or associated forms follow standard Swedish adjective inflection rules.

Etymology: the word derives from en- (one, unified) and stämig, related to stämma meaning voice or tune, reflecting the idea of a single voice or unified stance. See also unison and unanimity in related contexts.