ballet
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a style of artistic dance that uses very graceful and controlled movements.
n.a classical dance form characterized by grace and precision of movement and by elaborate formal gestures, steps, and poses.
Simple“She has been practicing ballet since she was five years old.”
In context“The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of classical ballet, emphasizing correct posture and the development of core strength.”
Synonymsclassical dance - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a show or story told through this type of dancing, usually with music.
n.a theatrical representation of a story or theme performed to music by ballet dancers.
Simple“We went to see a beautiful ballet at the national theater last night.”
In context“The choreographer reimagined the classic ballet with modern costumes and a minimalist stage design that highlighted the dancers' athleticism.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the group of professional dancers who work and perform together.
n.a company or troupe of people who perform ballet.
Simple“He was invited to join the city's most famous ballet.”
In context“The national ballet embarked on an international tour, showcasing their technical mastery to audiences across three continents.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to move in a way that looks like a ballet dancer.
v.to move or perform an action in a manner reminiscent of ballet dancing.
Simple“The birds seemed to ballet across the surface of the lake.”
In context“The autumn leaves balleted through the air, caught in a sudden gust of wind before settling on the damp pavement.”
“After Peter’s death in 2002, Sheila continued to travel widely to see many ballet companies.”
“But local farmers have also poured in to help battle the blaze, with a ballet of tractors pulling tankers of water drawn from a nearby lake.”
Borrowed from French ballet, from Italian balletto (“short dance, ballet”), diminutive form of ballo (“group dance”), from Late Latin ballō (“to dance”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.