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riff
1[ rif ]
noun
- Jazz. a melodic phrase, often constantly repeated, forming an accompaniment or part of an accompaniment for a soloist.
- a new variation on or a different manifestation of an existing thing or idea (often followed by on ):
This is an eco-conscious riff on the study-abroad experience.
verb (used without object)
- Jazz. to perform a repeated melodic phrase, forming an accompaniment for a soloist.
- to experiment with a thing or idea, making changes that create a new and novel version of it (often followed by on ):
My partner likes to let his ideas quietly simmer, but I prefer to riff on mine in conversations where I can bounce my thoughts off other people.
- to create, write, or perform something, like a comedy routine, using a common or known point of departure and following a previously unexplored tangent from that known point to a fresh or humorous perspective (often followed by on or off ):
My act riffs off famous love stories and adds modern feminist elements to unmask the absurdity of “happily ever after” in fairy tales.
riff
/ rɪf /
noun
- (in jazz or rock music) a short series of chords
verb
- intr to play or perform riffs in jazz or rock music
- informal.to speak amusingly or make (amusing comments or remarks)
Other Words From
- Riffi·an adjective noun
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of riff1
Example Sentences
Ricky Gervais, one of the modern masters of roasting celebrities and riffing on the macabre, has a new show called “Mortality.”
I said yes, and we just started riffing during my set and in between all the comics.
As an electric guitar riffs in the background and Carlile belts the evolved bridge, the Highwomen join forces, bringing each of their perspectives and experiences to create an inclusive kind of country music.
After getting a round of applause, O’Brien kept riffing in his signature having-too-much-fun-despite-himself style.
He riffed awhile about the physical and mental challenges in the ring, his ability to go to hell and back.
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