The spelling of the phrase "is unison" is quite simple despite the tricky sound of the word "unison". The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈjuːnɪsən/. The first syllable "u" is pronounced as "you" and the second syllable "ni" is pronounced as "nee". The stress is on the second syllable. The ending "son" is pronounced as "sən". Therefore, "is unison" is spelled as "is" + "u-ne-sən".
"Unison" is a term that primarily functions as a noun and verb within the English language, often used to describe a state or action involving simultaneous or synchronized motions, sounds, or actions. When used as a noun, "unison" refers to the act of people or things being in perfect harmony or synchronization, moving or functioning together as one cohesive unit. This can relate to physical movements, vocal sounds, musical notes, or even thoughts or opinions expressed unanimously. For example, a choir singing the same note at the same time is said to be singing in unison.
As a verb, "unison" describes the act of performing or coordinating actions simultaneously or in perfect harmony with others. It is often applied in musical contexts, where two or more instruments or voices play or sing the same melody or note at the same time, creating an effect of unity and coherence. In a broader sense, "unison" can also be used figuratively to describe agreement or consensus among individuals or groups, indicating that they are sharing the same goals, ideas, or interests.
Overall, the concept of "unison" revolves around the notion of unity and synchronicity, highlighting the alignment and coordination of multiple elements to create a harmonious whole. Its usage extends from musical performances to a variety of fields where collective action, synchronization, or agreement are necessary.
The phrase "is unison" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of the verb "is" and the noun "unison".
The word "is" comes from the Old English "is" and the Old Norse "es", which both mean "to be". It has been used in English since the 14th century and is the present tense third-person singular form of the verb "be".
The term "unison" comes from the Latin word "unisonus", which is a combination of "uni-" (meaning "one") and "sonus" (meaning "sound"). It entered English in the early 18th century and refers to the simultaneous sounding or playing of the same musical pitch or note by multiple voices or instruments.