libretto — the text of an opera or other long vocal work
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the text of an opera or other long vocal work
Pronunciation (IPA): /lɪˈbretoʊ/
Example Sentences
- The composer was brilliant, but his libretto was so confusing that even the singers got lost in their own love story.
- She spent three years translating the German libretto into Korean for the local opera company.
- The libretto was so dramatic that even the audience started crying before the first act ended.
libretto
NOUN[/lɪˈbretoʊ/]
the text of an opera or other long vocal work
The soprano clutches the libretto backstage, whispering her lines before the opera begins.
The singer kept the libretto open beside the score while practicing every line and song for the opera. (Think: LIBRETTO → LITTLE BOOK)
The soprano placed her libretto beside the piano before beginning her opera rehearsal.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Italian 'libretto', literally meaning 'little book'. It comes from 'libro' (book) with the diminutive suffix, originally referring to the small booklets of lyrics that opera audiences would hold during performances.
Breakdown
libro (book) + -etto (Italian diminutive suffix meaning 'little')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The composer was brilliant, but his libretto was so confusing that even the singers got lost in their own love story.”
“She spent three years translating the German libretto into Korean for the local opera company.”
“The libretto was so dramatic that even the audience started crying before the first act ended.”
“Mozart's operas are famous for their beautiful music and witty librettos.”
📚Related Words
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