virtuosity

American  

[vur-choo-os-i-tee] / ˌvɜr tʃuˈɒs ɪ ti /

noun

1. the character, ability, or skill of a virtuoso.

2. a fondness for or interest in virtu.

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Etymology

Origin of virtuosity

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

Explanation

Use the noun virtuosity to describe an impressive skill, such as a classical musician's virtuosity at playing the cello. Lots of people have talents, but only a select few, called virtuosos, have the superior quality of virtuosity. A piano virtuoso, for example, is able to play and improvise at the highest level possible. People can also display virtuosity in speaking, in writing computer code, in cooking, or in other skills. In the late fifteenth century, virtuosity specifically meant "manly qualities," from the Latin root virtutem, "manliness, valor, or excellence."

Example Sentences

There is little in the way of artistic ego or giddy virtuosity on display.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

But in the summer of 1873, which he spent in Gloucester, Mass., Homer had created his first series of watercolors, the seed of his virtuosity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

But here they were, along with Mr. Järvi and his Festival Orchestra, in perfect sync, each urging the other toward greater virtuosity without the slightest trace of rivalry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

Hers is a virtuosity that doesn’t ask for pity or applause or even link arms with the stricken-but-defiant disease-playing headliners who have gone before her.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2025

Nevertheless, they both reached such extremes of virtuosity that when they became exhausted from excitement, they would take advantage of their fatigue.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Related Words

• ability
• comprehension
• dexterity
• familiarity
• finesse
• genius
• grasp
• knack
• know-how
• knowledge
• proficiency
• prowess
• skill
• understanding
• wizardry