bossa nova: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal to informal, depending on context. It is a proper noun for the music style but can be used more figuratively.
Quick answer
What does “bossa nova” mean?
A style of music and dance from Brazil, a soft, lyrical variant of samba, often featuring complex harmonies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of music and dance from Brazil, a soft, lyrical variant of samba, often featuring complex harmonies.
A relaxed, smooth, or sophisticated style in any art form, or an atmosphere characterized by laid-back elegance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Both use it as a direct borrowing.
Connotations
In both, it connotes sophistication, musical knowledge, and a cosmopolitan or retro chic.
Frequency
Comparatively rare in daily conversation in both regions, largely confined to musical, cultural, or descriptive contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bossa nova” in a Sentence
[verb] + bossa nova: play, listen to, compose, perform[adjective] + bossa nova: authentic, classic, mellowbossa nova + [noun]: bossa nova tune, bossa nova artist, bossa nova eraVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bossa nova” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The band bossa nova'd their way through the set, adding a Brazilian twist to pop classics. (Informal/rare)
American English
- He tried to bossa nova his latest composition, but it still sounded like country. (Informal/rare)
adverb
British English
- The music played bossa nova softly in the background. (Highly informal/non-standard)
American English
- They danced bossa nova close and slow. (Highly informal/non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The party had a lovely, bossa nova feel to it.
- She preferred the bossa nova tracks on the compilation.
American English
- The restaurant's bossa nova playlist created a relaxed atmosphere.
- It's a bossa nova-inspired arrangement for piano trio.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in marketing for venues, products aiming for a 'sophisticated' or 'retro' feel.
Academic
Used in musicology, ethnomusicology, cultural studies, and history papers discussing 20th-century Brazilian or global music.
Everyday
When discussing music tastes, describing the ambiance of a place ('They had bossa nova playing in the café'), or in cultural references.
Technical
In music theory and performance, referring to specific harmonic progressions (e.g., altered chords), rhythms (e.g., the 'bossa nova clave'), and instrumentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bossa nova”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bossa nova”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bossa nova”
- Treating it as a plural (e.g., 'bossas novas') – it is invariable.
- Using it as a regular adjective (e.g., 'a bossa nova song' is correct, but 'the song is very bossa nova' is informal/figurative).
- Misspelling as 'bosa nova' or 'bossanova'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bossa nova is a more subdued, harmonically complex, and jazz-influenced offshoot of samba, typically performed in smaller ensembles with softer vocals. Traditional samba is often more percussive and energetic, associated with carnival and large baterias (drum sections).
It translates roughly to 'new trend' or 'new flair' (bossa meaning a particular flair, trend, or knack, and nova meaning new). It described a new way of playing samba.
Key figures include composer and guitarist João Gilberto (considered the pioneer), composer Antônio Carlos Jobim (Tom Jobim), and singer Astrud Gilberto. The 1964 album 'Getz/Gilberto' with Stan Getz popularized the genre globally.
Yes, but only figuratively. It can describe a style, atmosphere, or attitude that is smooth, subtly sophisticated, and effortlessly cool, in direct analogy to the music (e.g., 'the bossa nova elegance of her design').
A style of music and dance from Brazil, a soft, lyrical variant of samba, often featuring complex harmonies.
Bossa nova is usually formal to informal, depending on context. it is a proper noun for the music style but can be used more figuratively. in register.
Bossa nova: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɒs.ə ˈnəʊ.və/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɑː.sə ˈnoʊ.və/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a proper noun for a genre and is not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'NOVA' science show exploring the 'BOSS' of cool Brazilian beats = BOSSA NOVA.
Conceptual Metaphor
BOSSA NOVA IS LIQUID SMOOTHNESS / BOSSA NOVA IS SOPHISTICATED COOL
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of bossa nova?