chorous

Chorous is an adjective meaning of or relating to a chorus or choir. It is a rare or archaic form in modern English, with choral, choric, or simply chorus being more common in most contexts. In some musicological or historical writings, chorous appears as a specialized term to describe features or functions associated with a chorus within a musical or dramatic work.

Etymology and usage context

The word derives from the same Latin and Greek roots as chorus, from Greek khoros. The suffix -ous forms an adjectival variant, though it is not widely used in contemporary discourse. When encountered, chorous typically signals terminology tied to collective singing or to the presence and role of a chorus rather than to individuals performing solo parts.

Applications in analysis

In music theory and analysis, chorous may be used to designate sections where a chorus or group voice participates prominently, as opposed to solo or monophonic passages. In ancient drama or lyric poetry, references to chorous can describe the chorus’s function as commentator, participant, or contributor to the overall texture. Because the term is uncommon today, writers often substitute choral or choric to convey the same ideas with clearer, more familiar language.

Relationship to related terms

Chorous is closely related to, but distinct from, choral (pertaining to a choir) and choric (relating to the chorus as a dramatic or musical element). The term chorus itself remains the most widely used noun for the group and its function, while choral and choric are the standard adjectival forms.

See also

Chorus; Choral; Chorale; Choric.