Word of the Day

: September 12, 2007

virtuoso

noun ver-choo-OH-soh

What It Means

1 : one skilled in or having a taste for the fine arts

2 : one who excels in the technique of an art; especially : a highly skilled musical performer (as on the violin)

3 : a person who has great skill at some endeavor

virtuoso in Context

Amir is a virtuoso who makes playing the violin look easy.

Did You Know?

English speakers borrowed the Italian noun "virtuoso" in the 1600s. It comes in turn from the Italian adjective "virtuoso," which means both "virtuous" and "skilled." In English, "virtuoso" can be pluralized as either "virtuosos" or "virtuosi," and it is often used attributively ("a virtuoso performer"). The first virtuosos were individuals of substantial knowledge and learning ("great wits," to quote one 17th-century clergyman). The word was then transferred to those skilled in the arts, and by the 18th century it had acquired its specific sense applied to musicians. In the 20th century, English speakers broadened "virtuoso" again to apply to a person skilled in any pursuit.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.