Auswendig
Example: Sie kann das Lied auswendig singen ohne Musik.
Definition
"Auswendig" is an adverb used in music to describe performing or knowing something by heart, without the need for written notes or external aids. For example, "Sie kann das Lied auswendig singen ohne Musik" means she can sing the song from memory without music.
Etymology
The German word "auswendig" combines "aus" (out) and "wendig" (related to turning or bending), originally implying turning something 'outwards' or 'inside out' to mean knowing something thoroughly. Did you know? It suggests that the knowledge is turned outward from memory, hence 'by heart.'
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"Auswendig" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 102 commonly used words.
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