diva
/'di:və/
Definition
- Noun:
- A distinguished female operatic singer; a female operatic star: A "diva" is a highly celebrated and accomplished female singer, particularly in the field of opera. The term implies exceptional talent, fame, and often a commanding stage presence.
- (Extended meaning) A famous and glamorous female singer or performer in popular music: In modern, informal usage, "diva" can also refer to a very successful and celebrated female singer in genres like pop, soul, or R&B, often one known for a powerful voice and a strong personality.
- (Pejorative meaning) A person, especially a woman, who is difficult to please and demands a lot of attention: When used critically, "diva" describes someone who is perceived as being temperamental, arrogant, or making excessive demands.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Operatic star):
- Maria Callas was one of the most famous operatic divas of the 20th century.
- The young soprano dreams of becoming a great diva one day.
- Noun (Popular music star):
- Beyoncé is often called a modern pop diva because of her incredible voice and performances.
- The festival lineup features several legendary soul divas.
- Noun (Pejorative use):
- She's a bit of a diva; she demanded only green M&Ms in her dressing room.
- Don't be such a diva about the hotel arrangements; it's just for one night.
Advanced Usage
- "Prima donna" vs. "Diva": While both can refer to a leading female opera singer, "prima donna" (Italian for "first lady") is the more precise technical term for the principal female singer in an opera company. "Diva" (Italian for "goddess") carries stronger connotations of iconic celebrity status and adoration. In their negative senses, both terms are used interchangeably to describe a demanding, temperamental person.
Variants and Related Words
- Divo (n): The male equivalent of a diva; a celebrated male opera star or famous male singer.
- The tenor was hailed as the new divo of his generation.
- Divahood (n): The state or condition of being a diva.
- Her journey to divahood was documented in a new biography.
Synonyms
- Prima donna: (Can be synonymous for the operatic meaning, but often carries a stronger negative connotation).
- Star: A famous performer.
- Icon: A person regarded as a symbol of a particular field or era.
- Goddess: (Figurative) A woman who is adored, especially for her beauty or talent.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- Diva behavior / Diva attitude: Acting in a demanding, high-maintenance, or temperamental way.
- The assistant was exhausted by the actress's constant diva behavior on set.
- Diva moment: A specific instance where someone acts like a diva (often in the pejorative sense).
- She had a minor diva moment when her coffee wasn't the right temperature.
Noun
-
a distinguished female operatic singer; a female operatic star
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