virtuosity

[vur-choo-os-i-tee]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR virtuosity ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the character, ability, or skill of a virtuoso.

a fondness for or interest in virtu.

Origin of virtuosity

First recorded in 1665–75; virtuos(o) + -ity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for virtuosity

craft, profession, dexterity, prowess, knowledge, familiarity, understanding, proficiency, genius, know-how, comprehension, grasp, finesse, skill, knack, ability, wizardry, style, mastery, accomplishment

Examples from the Web for virtuosity

Contemporary Examples of virtuosity

Virtuosity in playing blues licks is like virtuosity in celebrating the Mass, it is empty, it means nothing.
Stanley Booth on the Life and Hard Times of Blues Genius Furry Lewis
Stanley Booth
June 7, 2014
As performer his virtuosity was unquestioned and unparalleled.
Beethoven in Love: The Woman Who Captivated the Young Composer
John Suchet
January 26, 2014

Historical Examples of virtuosity

Virtuosity is a state of expression but it is not the final state.
Adventures in the Arts
Marsden Hartley
Virtuosity emanating from a spirit of beneficence is somewhat rare.
The Violin
George Hart
This has a virtuosity of its own, for all its hit-or-miss appearance.
Picture and Text
Henry James
However, Sudermann's virtuosity has plenty of opportunity for display.
Iconoclasts
James Huneker
It is a tumult of virtuosity in painting, in sculpture, in architecture.
Roman Holidays and Others
W. D. Howells

Word Origin and History for virtuosity

late 15c., "manly qualities," from Medieval Latin virtuositas, from Late Latin virtuosus (see virtuoso). As "skill or abilities of a virtuoso," 1670s, from virtuoso + -ity.