Definition

Proper noun: * Lily Pons: A stage name referring to a specific individual, a celebrated French-born American coloratura soprano who was active in the 20th century. The name denotes the opera singer herself and her associated career and legacy.

Usage

The term "Lily Pons" is used exclusively as a proper noun to refer to the person. * It functions as the subject or object of a sentence when discussing the singer, her performances, or her life. * It is used attributively to describe things associated with her (e.g., "a Lily Pons recording").

Examples

• As a subject:
  • Lily Pons made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1931.
  • Lily Pons was renowned for her roles in operas like Lucia di Lammermoor.
• As an object:
  • The audience adored Lily Pons.
  • This biography details the life of Lily Pons.
• Used attributively:
  • I found an old Lily Pons album at the store.
  • Her most famous performance is the Lily Pons version of "The Bell Song."

Advanced Usage

• The name can be used metonymically to represent a style of singing or a particular era in opera.
  • That aria requires a Lily Pons-like agility. (Meaning: agility similar to that which Lily Pons possessed.)

Variants and Related Words

• Coloratura soprano: The vocal classification for which Lily Pons was famous, referring to a soprano specializing in ornate, elaborate passages of music.
• Opera singer: A more general term for a performer in opera.

Synonyms

• The soprano: Can be used as a contextual synonym when the person is clearly established.
  • The soprano, Lily Pons, was a star of her time.

Notes on Meaning

This is a biographical proper noun with a single, specific referent. It does not have multiple dictionary definitions. Its meaning is fixed to the historical figure Lily Pons (1904-1976).

Noun

1. United States coloratura soprano (born in France) (1904-1976)