virtuosity
AmericanEtymology
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."
Vocabulary lists containing virtuosity
1984
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Hamilton
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The Chosen
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He didn’t want to participate in the faster-than-light speed changes and virtuosity.
From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026
The familiar virtuosity and relentless swing are still there, but Peterson seems much more laid back.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026
North “was a keyboard wizard,” the group added, “who brought an unmatched intensity and emotional depth to every performance” and whose work “created ‘aural landscapes’ that balanced virtuosity with soulful, radio-friendly hooks.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026
Oliver summons his son by joyfully remembering his virtuosity on air guitar.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2025
On stage, Bull was still retching and puking and burping, lost completely in the virtuosity of his performance.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
