Bravura
Noun
- Great technical skill and brilliance shown in a performance or activity.
- The display of great daring.
Example Sentences
“She executed the dive with flawless technical precision and her own unique bravura.”
“The soloist performed passionately and with impressive bravura.”
“While accuracy is important, a quarter of the judge’s score is based on artistic bravura.”
Word Origin
Italian, mid-18th century
Why this word?
“Bravura” comes to English directly from Italian, where it means “skill.” In English, the noun “bravura” indicates a high level of skill or mastery in something, but it also suggests an air of daring. The Italian loanword could apply to athletic feats, but “bravura” can also describe musical performances, acting, artistic skill, and dance. It can be used as an adjective, too, essentially with the same meaning: A brilliant show could be called a “bravura performance.”