Virtuoso Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ป
virtuoso
[หvษหrtสuหoสsoส ]
Definitions
music
A person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| virtuoso |
Typically used for someone who has exceptional skill in music or the arts, often after years of practice.
|
| genius |
Applied to someone with extraordinary intellectual or creative power, not limited to any specific field.
|
| maestro |
Commonly used for a distinguished conductor of music, or a master in a particular art, especially in classical music.
|
| prodigy |
Describes a young person who displays exceptional abilities or talents at an early age.
|
Examples of usage
- He was a virtuoso on the violin, captivating audiences with his performances.
- Mozart was a child virtuoso, composing music at a very young age.
general
A person highly skilled in a specific field or activity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| virtuoso |
Use when referring to someone with outstanding skill, often in the arts, especially music. Implies not just competence, but exceptional artistic talent.
|
| expert |
Applicable in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone with a high level of knowledge or proficiency in a particular subject or field. Very versatile and general.
|
| master |
Refers to someone who has achieved a high level of skill through experience and training. Often used in the context of crafts, martial arts, or any domain requiring extensive practice over time.
|
| ace |
Best used in informal settings to describe someone who is extremely good at what they do, often in sports or competitive activities. Slightly casual and modern.
|
Examples of usage
- He was a virtuoso in the kitchen, creating culinary masterpieces.
- She was a virtuoso in mathematics, solving complex problems effortlessly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Music History
- Many well-known composers, such as Paganini and Liszt, are famous examples of virtuosos known for their incredible technical skills.
- Virtuosos often perform difficult pieces that showcase their exceptional talents, sometimes leading to public admiration and fame.
- In the classical world, being labeled a 'virtuoso' can create expectations of not just skill, but also the ability to connect emotionally with the audience.
Pop Culture
- In films and TV, characters portrayed as virtuosos often embody traits of confidence, passion, and occasionally, arrogance.
- One example is the movie 'Whiplash', which explores the intense world of young musicians striving for virtuosity.
- Pop music also features virtuoso performers like Prince and Jimi Hendrix, known for their extraordinary guitar skills.
Psychology
- Studies show that those identified as virtuosos often possess not just talent, but also extraordinary levels of focus and practice โ sometimes 10,000 hours or more!
- The concept of 'deliberate practice' plays a crucial role in developing skills to become a virtuoso, highlighting effort over innate talent.
- Research indicates that emotional resilience and creativity are common characteristics among individuals who achieve virtuoso status.
Literature
- In literature, the term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe writers or artists with exceptional talent in their fields.
- There are several references to virtuoso characters in novels, often depicted as striving for perfection in their crafts.
- Famous literary figures like Oscar Wilde and Virginia Woolf exemplified virtuosity in their writing, celebrated for their distinctive styles and skillful language.
Origin of 'virtuoso'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Italian 'virtuoso', meaning 'skilled' or 'expert', which itself derives from 'virtรน', meaning 'virtue' or 'skill'.
- It was first used in the late 17th century, originally referring to people who mastered the arts, particularly in music.
- Interestingly, its use expanded from musicians to include anyone excelling in any art form.
The word 'virtuoso' originated in the 17th century from Italian 'virtuoso', meaning 'skilled' or 'expert'. It was originally used in the context of music to describe a person exceptionally talented in playing musical instruments. Over time, the term expanded to encompass individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill and mastery in various fields beyond music.