WordGarden.iosoloist
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈəʊləʊˌɪst/
US
- /ˈsoʊˌloʊəst/
Meanings
Noun
a singer or musician who performs alone or has the featured solo part
a ballet or dance performer who dances solo roles, often as a company rank
Beyond the definition
Imagine an orchestra, with dozens of instruments playing together. Then one musician steps forward to play an important melody while the rest of the group supports them more softly in the background. That person is a soloist. A soloist is someone who performs alone for a part of a show and becomes the main focus, often within a larger group like an orchestra, choir, band, or dance company. It might be a violinist playing the main part in a concerto, a singer taking the lead for one part of a song, or a dancer performing alone on stage.
The key idea is attention. Even though a soloist performs alone for that moment, they are often supported by other performers. The word highlights the person who stands out and carries the main part while the rest of the group provides support.
The word "soloist" mainly refers to a performer who is given an important part to do alone, especially in music and dance. The idea is not just being by yourself, but being the featured person for that part of the performance. A soloist usually stands out from the larger group and becomes the main focus for a time.
In classical music, a soloist is often the musician or singer who performs the main part while an orchestra or another group accompanies them. In jazz or popular music, it can be the player who steps forward to perform a solo section. In singing, it can mean the voice that carries one part alone instead of blending into the full choir. In dance, it can describe a performer who dances alone in a featured section.
The word is most often used for the arts, especially music. Sometimes it appears in other fields in special phrases, but in normal English it usually makes people think of a musician, singer, or dancer who performs alone in front of others.
In the end, a soloist is someone who has a moment to stand apart. They may be supported by a band, orchestra, choir, or cast, but their role is to carry the performance alone for that section and draw the audience's attention.
Examples
- 1
Concert performance
The piano soloist walked onstage to warm applause from the audience.
- 2
Ballet rank
She trained for years before becoming a soloist with the national ballet company.
- Domain
in ballet, soloist can also be a dancer's rank in a company
- 3
Guest performers
The festival invited three guest soloists, so each concert had a different sound.
See also
Similar
- solo performer
- featured performer
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- ensemble member
- accompanist
Used with (collocations)
- piano soloist
- guest soloist
- soloist with an orchestra
Word family
Explore
- concerto
- solo performance
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- soloistnoun
Forms
- soloistspluralnoun