superfluous notes

[soo-PER-floo-uhs noʊts]
noun phrasepl: superfluous notes
notas supérfluas
1. unnecessary or excessive written remarks, annotations, or musical notes that do not contribute to the essential meaning or purpose
The editor removed the superfluous notes from the manuscript to improve clarity.
O editor removeu as notas supérfluas do manuscrito para melhorar a clareza.
2. in music, extra notes that are not essential to the melody or harmony
The pianist played superfluous notes that distracted from the main theme.
O pianista tocou notas supérfluas que distraíram do tema principal.
In both Brazilian and American academic and musical contexts, the concept of eliminating superfluous notes reflects the value placed on efficiency, clarity, and minimalism. In Brazilian journalism and literature, there is particular emphasis on 'economia de linguagem' (linguistic economy), making this phrase relevant to editing and writing standards.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unnecessary notesredundant notesextraneous notesexcess notesunwanted notes
Antonyms / Antônimos
essential notesnecessary notesvital notesintegral notes

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
notas supérfluas
standard and widely understood term
Portugal
notas desnecessárias
alternative phrasing more commonly used in European Portuguese
Music context Brazil
notas excessivas
used in musical scores and conservatory settings

Related Words

annotationredundancybrevityconcisenessornamentationembellishment

Related Idioms & Phrases

cut the fat
trim the excess
pare down
unnecessary baggage
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