Word
virtuosity
Phoneticsvir·tu·os·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/vɝtʃuˈɑsɪti/
UK/vˌɜːtjuːˈɒsɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. great skill at doing something very difficult, especially playing an instrument. You use it when someone performs at a level that amazes other people.
n. exceptional technical mastery in performance, especially musical performance, marked by dazzling precision and fluency beyond mere competence.
Examples
“Her virtuosity on the piano amazes everyone.”
“The young violinist shows real virtuosity when she plays the fast final movement without a single mistake.”
“Critics praised not only his virtuosity, which made the hardest passages sound easy, but also the quiet feeling he brought to the slow sections.”
Examples
simple
“Her virtuosity on the piano amazes everyone.”
contextual
“The young violinist shows real virtuosity when she plays the fast final movement without a single mistake.”
complex
“Critics praised not only his virtuosity, which made the hardest passages sound easy, but also the quiet feeling he brought to the slow sections.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “virtuosity” in context.
Verb
01. admire virtuosity
“Critics admired the guitarist's virtuosity and stage presence.”
verb + noun
02. display virtuosity
“The soloist displayed great virtuosity throughout the recital.”
verb + noun
03. marvel at virtuosity
“Audiences marvelled at the pianist's virtuosity during the encore.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. dazzling virtuosity
“The violinist captivated the audience with dazzling virtuosity.”
adj + noun
05. effortless virtuosity
“He played the complex concerto with effortless virtuosity.”
adj + noun
06. musical virtuosity
“The festival celebrates young talents with exceptional musical virtuosity.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. feat of virtuosity
“The rapid cadenza was an astonishing feat of virtuosity.”
noun + prep + noun
08. level of virtuosity
“The orchestra plays with a level of virtuosity rarely heard live.”
noun + prep + noun
09. moment of virtuosity
“His solo provided a brilliant moment of virtuosity.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a feat of sheer virtuosity
“The final movement was a feat of sheer virtuosity.”
11. marvel at her virtuosity
“The audience could only marvel at her virtuosity.”
12. perform with dazzling virtuosity
“The quartet performed with dazzling virtuosity at the festival.”
Real-World Examples
“Lewis’s virtuosity is on full display with laser-focused double stopping and filigree pianissimos at the very top of the instrument.” “The apparent ease of Hadelich’s virtuosity – all his energy seemingly focused on phrasing and dialogue with the orchestra – was nothing short of breathtaking.” “There’s precision, virtuosity and showmanship, but also something more ominous: disillusionment, farewell, a grittier texture, and showbusiness itself almost becomes its own character.” “The Hero’s Companion, a portrait of the composer’s tempestuous wife, was carried off with self-effacing virtuosity by leader Duncan Riddell.” Etymology
From virtuoso + -ity (“quality of”); the terminal -o drops out. Compare Middle English vertuosite (“virtuous quality or character”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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