brava: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal to artistic; often used in opera, theatre, and classical performance contexts.
Quick answer
What does “brava” mean?
A form of applause or approval (like 'bravo') traditionally directed at a female performer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of applause or approval (like 'bravo') traditionally directed at a female performer.
Used to express enthusiastic praise or admiration for a woman's achievement, typically in the performing arts but extended to any outstanding feat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, though perhaps slightly more recognized in American English due to the influence of Italian-American cultural expressions.
Connotations
Carries connotations of high culture, sophistication, and appreciation for the arts. Can sound slightly archaic or very deliberate.
Frequency
Rare in both dialects, but encountered in formal reviews, performance programs, and among connoisseurs.
Grammar
How to Use “brava” in a Sentence
As an interjection: 'Brava!'Used in a noun phrase: 'a loud brava'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brava” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The brava performance was unforgettable.
- She gave a brava display of skill.
American English
- It was a brava performance by the soprano.
- She delivered a brava interpretation of the role.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, except perhaps in musicology or performance studies reviews.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound highly formal or theatrical.
Technical
Used in the performing arts, specifically opera and classical theatre.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brava”
- Using 'brava' for a male performer (incorrect).
- Adding an -s to make a plural (use 'bravas' or 'bravi' cautiously; the interjection is typically repeated: 'Brava! Brava!').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'brava' is the feminine singular form. For a man, use 'bravo'. For a group of women or a mixed group, 'bravi' or 'brave' (Italian plurals) are sometimes used, but in English 'bravo' is frequently used as a gender-neutral term.
Yes, it is a loanword from Italian that is fully naturalized in English, particularly in artistic and musical contexts, though it is less common than 'bravo'.
As an interjection, it doesn't have a true plural. If used as a countable noun (e.g., 'the bravas rang out'), the anglicized plural 'bravas' is acceptable. The Italian plural would be 'brave' (for a group of women).
It is pronounced /ˈbrɑːvə/ in British English and /ˈbrɑvə/ in American English, with stress on the first syllable, rhyming with 'lava'.
A form of applause or approval (like 'bravo') traditionally directed at a female performer.
Brava is usually formal to artistic; often used in opera, theatre, and classical performance contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Brava! Bravissima! (for added emphasis)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BRAVo to the lAdy' (BRAV A).
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCOLADE IS A GIFT (the word is bestowed upon the performer).
Practice
Quiz
When is it most appropriate to use 'brava'?