/ˈɛtʊd/ ET-oo-dee

Definitions

1. noun

a short piece of music, typically for solo instrument, that is used to develop a particular technical skill or to illustrate a musical idea

“The young pianist spent hours practicing the etude to perfect her finger placement and tone.”

2. noun

a short written piece, typically in a literary or academic style, that is used to develop a particular skill or to illustrate a theoretical concept

“The professor assigned an etude on 19th-century literature to help students develop their analytical skills.”

3. noun

a detailed study or examination of something, especially a person or their behavior

“The psychologist conducted an etude on the effects of social media on teenage mental health.”