trapeze artist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “trapeze artist” mean?
A performer, typically in a circus, who performs acrobatics on a trapeze.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A performer, typically in a circus, who performs acrobatics on a trapeze.
Metaphorically, someone who requires great skill, balance, and daring to navigate a difficult situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Aerialist' is a more formal synonym used in both regions.
Connotations
Evokes traditional circus imagery equally in both cultures.
Frequency
Slightly more common in the UK due to stronger circus tradition (e.g., Billy Smart's Circus).
Grammar
How to Use “trapeze artist” in a Sentence
The [adjective] trapeze artist performed a [adjective] routine.She trained for years to become a trapeze artist.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trapeze artist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The CFO is a trapeze artist, balancing the budget on a razor's edge.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in performance studies or history of entertainment.
Everyday
Discussing circus visits or using the metaphor for difficult tasks.
Technical
Specific to circus arts and performance terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trapeze artist”
- Misspelling as 'trapese artist' or 'trapize artist'. Using 'trapeze' as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'He trapezes').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a gender-neutral term. You can specify 'male trapeze artist' or 'female trapeze artist' if needed.
'Aerialist' is a broader term encompassing performers on various aerial apparatuses (silks, hoop, rope). 'Trapeze artist' is specific to the trapeze.
Yes, primarily as a metaphor for anyone performing a complex, risky, and balanced act (e.g., in business, politics).
A 'catcher' is another trapeze artist, often stationary, who catches the 'flyer' by the hands or ankles during a release trick.
A performer, typically in a circus, who performs acrobatics on a trapeze.
Trapeze artist is usually neutral to formal in register.
Trapeze artist: in British English it is pronounced /trəˈpiːz ˈɑː.tɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /træˈpiːz ˈɑːr.t̬ɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life as a political negotiator is a real trapeze act.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TRAPEZE ARTIST: Think of TRAP + EASY + ART. It's an ART that looks EASY but can TRAP you if you're not careful.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULT TASK IS A TRAPEZE ACT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST accurate synonym for 'trapeze artist' in a literal sense?