What does bravissimo mean?
Bravissimo is an interjection borrowed from Italian that expresses enthusiastic approval or admiration, most often directed at a performance such as an opera, concert, or theatrical act. It functions much like the more familiar 'bravo', but with an intensified sense of praise — in Italian grammar it represents the superlative degree, conveying something like 'outstandingly good'. The term retains strong associations with opera houses and concert halls, where audiences traditionally call out approval after a particularly impressive aria or solo. Because of its theatrical origins, it carries a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone in modern English and is rarely heard outside performance settings. Its cognates include 'bravo', 'bravado', and 'bravura', all tracing back through Italian to roots meaning boldness or courage. For speakers seeking a colorful alternative to simple applause or a shouted 'bravo', 'bravissimo' offers a touch of continental flair.
interjectionAn exclamation of enthusiastic approval or praise for a performance, especially by a woman, equivalent to calling out 'bravo!' in its feminine form.
- Used to express loud, enthusiastic approval of an outstanding performance, particularly one by a male performer.
""Bravissimo!" the conductor called out as the soprano finished her final aria."
"The audience rose to its feet, shouting "Bravissimo!" at the young tenor."
"She nailed every note of the difficult cadenza, earning a hearty "Bravissimo!" from the front row."
Borrowed straight from Italian opera houses, 'bravissimo' literally means 'very good' — and unlike 'bravo', it's reserved for truly exceptional performances.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bravissimo
Bravissimo comes directly from Italian, where it is the superlative form of the adjective 'brave' (meaning good or capable), derived from Latin 'barbarus', which originally referred to someone foreign or uncivilized but came via Spanish and Italian usage to mean bold or courageous. Related English borrowings from the same Italian root include 'bravo', 'bravado', 'bravura', and 'bravery'. The word entered English primarily through the world of opera and classical music, where Italian terminology has long been standard.
How bravissimo is actually used
Register is somewhat theatrical and informal-to-formal depending on setting; it carries a distinctly Italian flavor and is most natural in musical or operatic contexts. It is far less common in everyday speech than 'bravo'.
Easily confused with bravissimo
'Bravo' praises a male performer while 'bravissima' is the feminine form and 'bravissimo' is the masculine/superlative form used especially in Italian contexts.