bravo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal, literary, performance-related; slightly dated as an exclamation in everyday speech.
Quick answer
What does “bravo” mean?
An exclamation of strong approval, especially for a performance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An exclamation of strong approval, especially for a performance.
Can also function as a verb meaning 'to applaud or praise enthusiastically' and rarely as a noun for a shout of approval or a hired assassin (archaic).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The interjection is equally understood in both contexts, often associated with theatrical or classical arts.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of old-fashioned or staged applause. It can sound ironic or humorous if used in a mundane context.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to its historical association with the theatre, but overall low-frequency in modern casual speech in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “bravo” in a Sentence
EXCLAMATION: Bravo! [for + NP]VERB: to bravo + NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bravo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The critics bravoed the young playwright's daring new work.
- He was bravoed off the stage after his final aria.
American English
- The crowd bravoed the quarterback's amazing touchdown pass.
- She was bravoed for her courageous testimony.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard use)
American English
- (Not standard use)
adjective
British English
- (Rare/Archaic) The bravo assassin lurked in the shadows.
American English
- (Rare/Archaic) He was known as a bravo, a swordsman for hire.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used ironically or in a very formal speech to congratulate a team.
Academic
Very rare, except perhaps in reviews of artistic or dramatic works.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be used humorously or for dramatic effect among friends.
Technical
Used in military/NATO communications as 'Bravo Zulu' for 'well done'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bravo”
- Using it as a common adjective (e.g., 'He is a bravo speaker').
- Misspelling as 'brava' (feminine) or 'bravi' (plural) when addressing a mixed/general group in English, where 'bravo' is standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In English, 'bravo' is the standard, gender-neutral exclamation. Using the Italian feminine 'brava' or plural 'bravi' is sometimes heard but is not required and can sound affected.
As an exclamation, it's not common in everyday conversation. It is most at home in contexts related to classical performances (opera, theatre, ballet) and can sound formal or theatrical elsewhere.
Yes, but it is a rare and literary usage. It means 'to applaud or praise enthusiastically.' For example, 'The debut novel was bravoed by the critics.'
It was borrowed into English from Italian in the 18th century. The Italian word 'bravo' originally meant 'bold, brave.' The exclamation for applause is directly from Italian. The unrelated, archaic noun for a hired ruffian comes from the same Italian root via Spanish.
An exclamation of strong approval, especially for a performance.
Bravo is usually formal, literary, performance-related; slightly dated as an exclamation in everyday speech. in register.
Bravo: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrɑːˈvəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrɑˈvoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Bravo Zulu' (naval/military signal for 'well done')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a theatre where the audience shouts 'BRAVO!' after a brilliant performance by a singer named 'BRA' 'VO' (like a vocal bra).
Conceptual Metaphor
APPROVAL IS A LOUD, PUBLIC DECLARATION.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'bravo' LEAST likely to be used naturally?