acoustics

Everyday

1. The acoustics of a room or building are the way sound travels and is heard in it: good acoustics mean music and speech sound clear. tree →
2. Acoustics is the science of sound: how it is made, how it travels and how we hear it. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on sound, pupils learn that hard surfaces reflect sound (echoes) and soft ones (curtains, carpets) absorb it; that is why halls and theatres are built with care. In music, concert halls are praised for their acoustics. Phrases: «good acoustics», «poor acoustics», «the acoustics of the hall».

Examples

• The cathedral has amazing acoustics, so the choir sounds beautiful. tree →
• The school hall has poor acoustics; it's hard to hear at the back. tree →
• Acoustics is the science of sound. tree →
• Soft curtains improve the acoustics of a room. tree →
• The Sydney Opera House was designed with special attention to acoustics. tree →
• In the empty gym, the acoustics made our voices echo. tree →

Note

Grammar trap: about a place it is plural — «The acoustics are good»; as the name of a science it is singular — «Acoustics is a branch of physics». Say «a-KOO-stiks». Adjective: acoustic (as in an acoustic guitar, which is not electric).