Rytmisk

Rytmisk is an adjective used in several Scandinavian languages to describe anything related to rhythm. In English, the equivalent term is rhythmic. The word commonly appears in discussions of music, dance, and other time-based arts. As a descriptor, rytmisk emphasizes patterns of timing, meter, tempo, and accent rather than melody or harmony.

Etymology and cognates: Rytmisk derives from the noun rhythm, itself from Greek rhythmos via Latin rhythmus. In these languages, it is formed with a standard adjectival suffix. The term is cognate with the German rhythmisch and the French rythmique, sharing the same semantic field of rhythm and timing.

Usage: In music education, criticism, and performance, rytmisk describes pieces or passages with a strong rhythmic character—often percussion-led sections, dance-oriented grooves, or metrical play. It can also describe prosody in poetry or speech that features regular cadence and pattern.

See also: rhythm, tempo, meter, groove.