B2noun1K

Ballet

UK /["/ˈbæleɪ/"]/US /["/bæˈleɪ/"]/

Definition

a style of dancing that tells a dramatic story with music but no talking or singing

In simple words: A type of dance that tells a story with graceful movements.

Examples

  • She wants to be a **ballet dancer**.
  • ballet shoes
  • ‘Swan Lake’ is one of the great classical ballets.
  • members of the Royal Ballet
  • The Royal Ballet is/are dancing ‘Giselle’.

Usage notes

Used commonly in both casual and formal discussions about dance. Appropriate in settings like schools and theaters, but may not be relevant in conversations about sports or informal activities.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'ballet' as 'beautiful leaps' – graceful like a flower blossoming.

Collocations

  • classical
  • contemporary
  • modern
  • learn
  • study
  • teach
  • music
  • dancer
  • company
  • classical
  • contemporary
  • modern
  • learn
  • study
  • teach
  • music
  • dancer
  • company
  • classical
  • contemporary
  • modern
  • learn
  • study
  • teach
  • music
  • dancer
  • company

Synonyms

  • dance
  • performance
  • balletic
  • classic dance
  • artistic movement

Antonyms

  • hip-hop
  • breakdance
  • tap dance

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'ballot', the voting term.
  • Pronounced incorrectly, as 'ballet' instead of 'bah-lei'.
  • Used as a verb, misunderstanding that 'ballet' is a noun.