divertissement: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequencyFormal, literary, artistic
Quick answer
What does “divertissement” mean?
A light, entertaining piece of music or dance, often inserted as an interlude in a larger performance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light, entertaining piece of music or dance, often inserted as an interlude in a larger performance.
An amusement, distraction, or pastime; a light-hearted diversion from serious matters. In a broader sense, a short theatrical or musical entertainment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties. Possibly more recognized in UK due to stronger historical ties to French ballet and theatre.
Connotations
Connotes sophistication, the arts, and European (particularly French) culture. In both varieties, it is a 'borrowed' term.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday speech. Most commonly encountered in reviews of ballet, opera, classical music, or formal literary writing.
Grammar
How to Use “divertissement” in a Sentence
The ballet included a lighthearted divertissement.He sought a brief divertissement from his worries.It served as a pleasant divertissement.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “divertissement” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company sought to divert the public's attention with a minor scandal, a mere political divertissement.
- The choreographer will divert the narrative with a pastoral divertissement.
American English
- The administration tried to divert scrutiny with a foreign policy divertissement.
- She diverted the audience with a charming musical divertissement.
adjective
British English
- The divertissement piece was delightfully frivolous.
- He has a divertissement role in the second act.
American English
- The divertissement section provided comic relief.
- It was a divertissement number, separate from the plot.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, dance, and theatre studies to describe specific short pieces within a larger work.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be considered pretentious or highly formal if used.
Technical
A precise term in ballet and music for a suite of short dance or musical pieces, often showcasing individual skills.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “divertissement”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “divertissement”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “divertissement”
- Mispronouncing the final 't' (it's silent).
- Using it as a synonym for 'diversion' in casual contexts.
- Misspelling (e.g., divertisment, divertisement).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word borrowed from French. It is primarily used in specific artistic contexts like ballet, music, and theatre.
It is not recommended. While its core meaning relates to 'diversion', using it for everyday fun (e.g., 'playing video games is my favourite divertissement') sounds unnatural and pretentious. Stick to 'pastime', 'hobby', or 'entertainment'.
The final '-ment' is pronounced with a nasal French vowel /mɒ̃/ (UK) or /mɑːn/ (US). The 't' is silent. Do not pronounce it as 'divertiZEment'.
They are close synonyms in performance contexts. 'Divertissement' is more specific to dance/music and carries a stronger connotation of being light, entertaining, and showcasing technical skill. 'Interlude' is more general and can be serious or somber.
A light, entertaining piece of music or dance, often inserted as an interlude in a larger performance.
Divertissement is usually formal, literary, artistic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a mere divertissement (used to dismiss something as trivial entertainment)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'divert' (to entertain/distract) + French '-issement' suffix. A 'divertissement' is a formal, often artistic, form of diversion.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTISTIC WORK IS A LIGHT MEAL (a divertissement is a palate-cleansing sorbet, not the main course).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'divertissement' MOST appropriately used?