Downbeat vs. Upbeat — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Downbeat and Upbeat
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Compare with Definitions
Downbeat
The first beat of a measure.
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
(in music) an unaccented beat preceding an accented beat.
Oct 06, 2021
Downbeat
The downward stroke made by a conductor to indicate the first beat of a measure.
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
Cheerful; optimistic
He was upbeat about the company's future
Oct 06, 2021
Downbeat
Cheerless; pessimistic.
Oct 06, 2021
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Upbeat
An unaccented beat or beats that occur before the first beat of a measure. Also called anacrusis, pickup.
Oct 06, 2021
Downbeat
(music) The accented beat at the beginning of a bar (indicated by a conductor with a downward stroke).
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
The upward stroke made by a conductor to indicate the beat that leads into a new measure.
Oct 06, 2021
Downbeat
Sad or pessimistic.
He sounded downbeat when asked about his future plans.
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
Optimistic
An upbeat business forecast.
Oct 06, 2021
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Downbeat
Cautiously optimistic.
She carried herself with a quiet downbeat grace.
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
Happy; cheerful.
Oct 06, 2021
Downbeat
The first beat of a musical measure (as the conductor's arm moves downward).
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
Having a fast pace, tempo, or beat.
The notes are easy, but it's an upbeat tune and should be played fairly quickly.
Oct 06, 2021
Downbeat
The first beat of a musical measure (as the conductor's arm moves downward)
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
Having a positive, lively, or perky tone, attitude, etc.
Though he had bad news, he ended with an upbeat forecast for the future.
He sounded upbeat when I talked to him.
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
An unaccented beat at the start of a musical phrase.
The conductor said: I give you three beats for nothing and then you come in on the upbeat.
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
A contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous;
The town was finally on the upbeat after our recent troubles
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
An unaccented beat (especially the last beat of a measure)
Oct 06, 2021
Upbeat
Pleasantly (even unrealistically) optimistic
Oct 06, 2021
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