Ballet

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /bælˈeɪ/

Definitions

1. A classical form of dance characterized by graceful, precise movements and formalized steps and gestures, typically performed with orchestral music
2. An artistic dance form that combines precise movements and formal techniques with expressive storytelling elements, usually accompanied by orchestral music
3. A disciplined style of dance distinguished by its strict techniques, elegant posture, and often narrative performances, typically set to orchestral compositions

Etymology: Ballet is a diminutive of an older word for dance. The Italian "balletto" meant a short dance, and it is built from "ballo," a group dance, which shares its root with English "ball," the evening party where people danced. That Old French "bal" and English "ball" are the same word is the surprise here: a ball was once simply a dance. The Italian noun came from Late Latin "ballare," meaning "to dance," and the diminutive ending "-etto" turned a dance into a small one. Italian passed "balletto" to French, where it became "ballet," and English borrowed the French form. Its meaning stayed tied to the dancing itself, so the word described a specific kind of stage performance rather than any casual dance.

Synonyms: dance, performance, theater, art, spectacle

Antonyms: clumsiness, awkwardness, disgrace, failure, ineptitude