virtuoso
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌvɜːr.tʃuˈoʊ/
KK: /ˈvɜr.tʃu.oʊ/
adjective
Definition
Showing great skill or talent, especially in music or art.
Example
The pianist gave a virtuoso performance that left the audience in awe.
Conversation
Did you see that concert last night?
Yes! The guitarist was a total virtuoso.
I know, right? His skills were just incredible!
Absolutely! It was definitely a virtuoso performance.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
masterful
skilled
expert
Antonyms
amateur
unskilled
inept
noun
Definition
A person who is extremely skilled in a particular art, especially music, and shows great talent and technique.
Example
The young pianist was a true virtuoso, captivating the audience with her incredible performance.
Conversation
Did you hear that new album by the virtuoso pianist?
Yes! His technique is simply incredible.
I can't believe how he makes the piano sound so expressive.
Root Explanation
Virtuoso → It is derived from the Italian word 'virtuoso', which comes from 'virtù' (meaning virtue or skill). The suffix '-oso' indicates a person characterized by a quality. Thus, a virtuoso is a person characterized by great skill or talent, especially in music or the arts.
Memory Tip
Think of 'virtù' meaning skill or virtue, and remember that a 'virtuoso' is someone who possesses great skill in their art.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.