bravo etymology

Etymology

• Borrowed from Italian bravo (plural bravi), from Venetian bravo (“bully; skilled swordsman”), perhaps ultimately from Lombardic pravus (“wicked, evil”), or from a Germanic source, perhaps related to Old High German bregan (“fighter”)

Meaning and Origin

The word "bravo" has been used in various contexts throughout history, with several distinct meanings and origins:

• As a noun:
  • In Italian, "bravo" originally referred to a hired assassin or a professional criminal.
  • In English, "bravo" initially meant a hired ruffian or a swashbuckler.
• As an interjection:
  • In English, "bravo" is commonly used as an expression of praise or applause, typically in the context of theater, music, or other performances. This usage is thought to have originated in the 18th century, when audiences in opera houses would shout "Bravo!" or "Brava!" to show their appreciation for particularly impressive performances.
• As an adjective:
  • In modern usage, "bravo" can also be used as an adjective meaning "excellent" or "skilled." This usage is derived from the original Italian meaning of "bully" or "skilled swordsman."

bravo relate terms

• brave

  Etymology The word brave derives from the Old French word brave which means handsom

• brave

  Etymology The word brave derives from the Old French word brave which means handsom

• brave

  Etymology The word brave derives from the Old French word brave which means handsom

• bravado

  Etymology From Spanish bravata from Portuguese bravata from Italian bravata fr

• bravo

  Etymology Borrowed from Italian bravo plural bravi from Venetian bravo bully ski

• applaud

  Etymology The word applaud is derived from the Latin word applaudō which means to

• cheer

  Etymology The word cheer has its roots in the Middle English word chere which in tu

• demurrer

  Etymology Demurrer comes from the Old French word demurer meaning to stay delay or

• clap

  Etymology The word clap is believed to originate from the Middle English word clappen

• past

  Etymology Origin Middle English late 14th century from the noun pass from Old F

• taps

  Etymology The word tap has multiple etymological roots Old English tæppan to to

• exclamation

  Etymology The word exclamation comes from the Latin word exclamare which means to c

• Europe

  Etymology of Europe The name Europe comes from Greek mythology According to the leg

• orange

  Etymology Late Middle English as an adjective from Old French orenge from orenge f

• shambles

  Etymology Middle English schamel from Old North French eschamel escamel from Medieva