comprimario: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ObscureTechnical / Specialized (Opera and Arts)
Quick answer
What does “comprimario” mean?
A singer in an opera who takes secondary supporting roles, often supporting the principal singers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A singer in an opera who takes secondary supporting roles, often supporting the principal singers.
In a broader sense, can refer to any performer or person in a supporting or secondary role within an artistic ensemble or professional hierarchy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both UK and US contexts, as it is a specialized Italian loanword. No differences in spelling or meaning.
Connotations
In both regions, it carries connotations of professional hierarchy, artistic skill (but not stardom), and being an integral yet secondary part of an ensemble. It is a neutral, descriptive term within its field.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English. Almost never encountered outside of professional opera circles, biographies, or specialist criticism.
Grammar
How to Use “comprimario” in a Sentence
[singer] was a comprimario at [opera house][opera house] engaged him/her as a comprimarioHe/She enjoyed a long career as a comprimarioVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “comprimario” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [This word is not used as a verb]
American English
- [This word is not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [This word is not used as an adverb]
American English
- [This word is not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- She had a successful comprimario career at Covent Garden.
- He was known for his comprimario artistry.
American English
- She retired after a long comprimario tenure at the Met.
- The comprimario parts in this production are demanding.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in academic writing focused on opera history, performance studies, or biographical works about singers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary context. Used in opera house casting, contracts, programme notes, reviews, and discussions among opera professionals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “comprimario”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “comprimario”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comprimario”
- Mispronouncing it as 'com-pri-MAR-ee-oh' (stressing the third syllable). Correct stress is on the 'ma'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'assistant' or 'deputy' outside the performing arts.
- Spelling it as 'comprimaro' or 'compremario'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a neutral, professional designation within opera. It acknowledges skill and importance within the ensemble hierarchy, though it clearly indicates a position below the lead singers. It is not derogatory.
Very rarely. It is an extremely specific term. Its metaphorical use in other fields (e.g., 'a political comprimario') would be seen as esoteric, affected, or a deliberate allusion to opera.
The standard plural is 'comprimarii' (from Italian/Latin), but 'comprimarios' is also accepted in English, especially in less formal writing.
A comprimario sings named, secondary solo roles (e.g., Marcellina in 'The Marriage of Figaro'). A chorus member sings as part of the ensemble without an individual character name. A comprimario is a featured soloist, though not a principal.
A singer in an opera who takes secondary supporting roles, often supporting the principal singers.
Comprimario is usually technical / specialized (opera and arts) in register.
Comprimario: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒmprɪˈmɑːriəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːmprɪˈmɑːrioʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no established idioms for this highly specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COMPany PRIMAry' - you are *with* (com-) the *primary* (prima) singers in the company, but not the primary yourself.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHICAL ARTISTIC STRUCTURE IS A PYRAMID / THEATRICAL ROLES ARE MILITARY RANKS (The comprimario is a non-commissioned officer, essential for operations but not in command).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'comprimario'?