FIFE Meaning and
Definition
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A fife is a small, high-pitched wind instrument that belongs to the flute family. It typically has a cylindrical wooden tube and is about 15-20 inches in length, with six finger holes and no keys. The fife's sound is produced by blowing into a small mouthpiece and creating vibrations that resonate within the tube. The instrument's distinct timbre is characterized by its piercing and clear tone.
Historically, fifes were widely used in military and marching band music. Their portability made them ideal for soldiers and often accompanied drums to provide rhythm and melody during military parades and ceremonies. The instrument's piercing sound allowed it to cut through the noise of battlefield, making it a valuable tool for communication during battles.
In addition to its role in military music, the fife has also been incorporated into folk, traditional, and even classical music genres. It is often utilized in ensembles alongside other woodwind instruments, such as flutes and piccolos, to create a brighter and more distinct sound.
Overall, the fife is a small flute-like instrument with a high-pitched sound that has been historically associated with military music. It is known for its clear and piercing tone, and is often used in parades, marches, and other ceremonial occasions.
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• A small flute with one key.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FIFE
Etymology of FIFE
The word "fife" derives from the Middle English "fif" or "fyfe", which comes from the Old High German word "pfeife". This Old High German term also gave rise to the Modern German word "Pfeife", meaning "pipe" or "whistle". The word "fife" initially referred to a small musical instrument similar to a flute, often used in military bands. It is believed to have been borrowed into English from either German or Dutch during the late Middle Ages.
Similar spelling words for FIFE
Conjugate verb Fife
CONDITIONAL
I
would fife
you
would fife
he/she/it
would fife
we
would fife
they
would fife
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be fifing
you
would be fifing
he/she/it
would be fifing
we
would be fifing
they
would be fifing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have fife
you
would have fife
he/she/it
would have fife
we
would have fife
they
would have fife
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been fifing
you
would have been fifing
he/she/it
would have been fifing
we
would have been fifing
they
would have been fifing
FUTURE
I
will fife
you
will fife
he/she/it
will fife
we
will fife
they
will fife
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be fifing
you
will be fifing
he/she/it
will be fifing
we
will be fifing
they
will be fifing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have fifed
you
will have fifed
he/she/it
will have fifed
we
will have fifed
they
will have fifed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been fifing
you
will have been fifing
he/she/it
will have been fifing
we
will have been fifing
they
will have been fifing
IMPERATIVE
you
fife
we
let´s fife
to fife
PAST
I
fifed
you
fifed
he/she/it
fifed
we
fifed
they
fifed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was fifing
you
were fifing
he/she/it
was fifing
we
were fifing
they
were fifing
PAST PARTICIPLE
fifed
PAST PERFECT
I
had fifed
you
had fifed
he/she/it
had fifed
we
had fifed
they
had fifed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been fifing
you
had been fifing
he/she/it
had been fifing
we
had been fifing
they
had been fifing
PRESENT
I
fife
you
fife
he/she/it
fifes
we
fife
they
fife
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am fifing
you
are fifing
he/she/it
is fifing
we
are fifing
they
are fifing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
fifing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have fifed
you
have fifed
he/she/it
has fifed
we
have fifed
they
have fifed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been fifing
you
have been fifing
he/she/it
has been fifing
we
have been fifing
they
have been fifing
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