virtuosity

[ vur-choo-os-i-tee ]

/ ˌvɜr tʃuˈɒs ɪ ti /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR virtuosity ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the character, ability, or skill of a virtuoso.

a fondness for or interest in virtu.

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Nearby words

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

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST
As performer his virtuosity was unquestioned and unparalleled.
Beethoven in Love: The Woman Who Captivated the Young Composer|John Suchet|January 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He despises tradition, gives himself up with unrestrained delight to his virtuosity.
The Stages in the Social History of Capitalism|Henri Pirenne
Seated in the corner among the band, Jenny was performing wonders of virtuosity upon the drums.
Crome Yellow|Aldous Huxley

Truly the standard of virtuosity is higher than it was a quarter of a century ago.
Unicorns|James Huneker
What he did was to rely upon his virtuosity of dialogue to enable him to dispense with form.
Play-Making|William Archer
On reaching the second voice in the fugue cantelupe's virtuosity breaks down.
Three Plays by Granville-Barker|Harley Granville-Barker

Word Origin and History for virtuosity

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.