bravura

American  

[bruh-vyoor-uh, -voor-uh, brah-voo-rah] / brəˈvyʊər ə, -ˈvʊər ə, brɑˈvu rɑ /

noun

plural

bravuras,

plural

bravure

1. Music. a florid passage or piece requiring great skill and spirit in the performer.

2. a display of daring; brilliant performance.

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adjective

1. Music. spirited; florid; brilliant (applied chiefly to vocal but occasionally to instrumental compositions).

bravura British  

/ -ˈvʊərə, brəˈvjʊərə /

noun

1. a display of boldness or daring

2. music

   1. brilliance of execution

   2. ( as modifier )

      a bravura passage

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Etymology

Origin of bravura

First recorded in 1780–90; from Italian: literally, “spirit, dash”; see brave, -ure

Explanation

When a dancer spins flawlessly through an incredibly challenging routine, their performance is pure bravura, showcasing dazzling skill and bold confidence. Bravura is a noun that refers to a show of exceptional talent or daring, often in the arts. The term comes from Italian, meaning "bravery" or "spirit." It's commonly used to describe performances in music, theater, or dance that are not only technically impressive but also delivered with extraordinary confidence and style. Bravura can also apply to any act or feat that is executed with exceptional skill and daring, making it a celebration of human talent and boldness.

Example Sentences

This year’s American Music Honors arrives on the eve of the bravura grand opening of the Center’s spacious new home, which will begin welcoming visitors in June.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

At that stage, Strategy was sitting on unrealized losses of almost $5 billion and despite public displays of bravura and a refusal to contemplate selling, the pressure on Strategy’s stock price was relentless.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Mr. Wooldridge gives us a bravura performance of summary and synthesis in his telling of the history and substance of liberalism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

"The main thing I wanted was the sense of empathy you felt for Teddy," he said of the lead character, played with characteristic bravura by the always-watchable Jesse Plemons.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

On August 13, at an S-l meeting on his home turf in Berkeley, Ernest delivered another bravura presentation on the Rad Lab’s progress.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• audacity
• bravery
• daring
• determination
• endurance
• fearlessness
• firmness
• fortitude
• gallantry
• grit
• heroism
• prowess
• spirit
• spunk
• tenacity
• valor