Cool MateOpera
UK /["/ˈɒprə/"]/US /["/ˈɑːprə/"]/
Definition
a dramatic work in which all or most of the words are sung to music; works of this type as an art form or entertainment
In simple words: A type of musical play with singing and acting.
Examples
- Puccini’s operas
- to go to the opera
- an opera singer
- **light/grand opera**
- the Vienna State Opera
Usage notes
Use 'opera' when discussing music or performances, especially in cultural contexts. It's more formal and not used in everyday casual conversation.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think 'opery' like 'soapy' but for drama and music!
Collocations
- comic
- grand
- light
- compose
- write
- sing
- singer
- star
- composer
- comic
- grand
- light
- compose
- write
- sing
- singer
- star
- composer
Synonyms
- musical
- theater
- drama
- performance
Antonyms
- silent film
- spoken play
- instrumental music
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'operetta', which is a lighter, shorter version of an opera.
- Thinking opera is only about singing, when it also involves acting and orchestration.
- Using 'opera' to mean any type of music performance, rather than its specific genre.