A1 noun Neutral #2,579 most common

ballet

/ˌbæˈleɪ/

Ballet is a highly technical form of artistic dance that uses precise and graceful movements to tell a story or express an idea. It is usually performed on a stage to classical music by dancers wearing special clothing and shoes.

Examples

3 of 5
1

My younger sister goes to ballet class every Tuesday afternoon.

My younger sister goes to ballet class every Tuesday afternoon.

2

The National Theater is proud to present a new production of the classic ballet, Swan Lake.

The National Theater is proud to present a new production of the classic ballet, Swan Lake.

3

I'm thinking about going to the ballet this weekend; do you want to come?

I'm thinking about going to the ballet this weekend; do you want to come?

Word Family

Noun
ballet
Adverb
balletically
Adjective
balletic
Related
ballerina
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Memory Tip

Remember that the 't' is silent because ballet dancers move silently and gracefully across the stage.

Quick Quiz

Anna has been practicing for months because she wants to be a professional _____ dancer.

Correct!

The correct answer is: ballet

Examples

1

My younger sister goes to ballet class every Tuesday afternoon.

everyday

My younger sister goes to ballet class every Tuesday afternoon.

2

The National Theater is proud to present a new production of the classic ballet, Swan Lake.

formal

The National Theater is proud to present a new production of the classic ballet, Swan Lake.

3

I'm thinking about going to the ballet this weekend; do you want to come?

informal

I'm thinking about going to the ballet this weekend; do you want to come?

4

Scholars often analyze the evolution of French ballet during the reign of Louis XIV.

academic

Scholars often analyze the evolution of French ballet during the reign of Louis XIV.

5

The bank decided to provide a significant grant to the local ballet company for their holiday tour.

business

The bank decided to provide a significant grant to the local ballet company for their holiday tour.

Word Family

Noun
ballet
Adverb
balletically
Adjective
balletic
Related
ballerina

Common Collocations

ballet shoes ballet shoes
ballet dancer ballet dancer
ballet company ballet company
take ballet take ballet (classes)
watch a ballet watch a ballet

Common Phrases

go to the ballet

go to the ballet

ballet school

ballet school

classical ballet

classical ballet

Often Confused With

ballet vs ballad

A ballad is a slow song or poem that tells a story, while ballet is a style of dance.

ballet vs ballot

A ballot is a piece of paper used for voting in an election.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'ballet' as an uncountable noun when referring to the art form in general (e.g., 'She loves ballet') or as a countable noun when referring to a specific performance (e.g., 'We saw three different ballets this year').

⚠️

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is pronouncing the final 't'. In English, the 't' at the end of 'ballet' is silent, making it sound like 'bal-lay'.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember that the 't' is silent because ballet dancers move silently and gracefully across the stage.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Italian word 'balletto', which is a diminutive of 'ballo' (dance).

Grammar Patterns

Countable or uncountable noun Plural form: ballets Often used with the verb 'to do' or 'to take' for lessons
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Cultural Context

Ballet is traditionally associated with high culture and has deep historical roots in the royal courts of France and Russia.

Quick Quiz

Anna has been practicing for months because she wants to be a professional _____ dancer.

Correct!

The correct answer is: ballet

Related Words

obgenly

C1

Describing qualities or characteristics that are intrinsic, fundamental, or naturally occurring within a specific category, class, or genus. It suggests that a trait is not acquired through external influence but is a core component of the entity's classification.

bilabancy

C1

To alternate or waver between two specific choices, conditions, or states in a rhythmic or repetitive manner. It describes both the physical movement of shifting weight and the mental process of indecision between two poles.

homomemy

C1

Describing a state of identical or near-perfect replication of a conceptual or structural unit within a system. It is used to characterize patterns where a 'meme' or fundamental component remains unchanged across various iterations or transmissions.

synformile

C1

A synformile is a specialized structural unit or component designed to precisely match or align with a corresponding external template or matrix. In technical contexts, it refers to an element that maintains spatial consistency and structural parity within a larger system.

antesophtion

C1

Describing a state, concept, or period existing before the attainment of philosophical wisdom or intellectual sophistication. It refers to rudimentary or naive perspectives that have not yet been refined by deep critical thought or scholarly maturity.

contrafidable

C1

To formally challenge or invalidate a statement or agreement by presenting evidence that contradicts a previously established position of trust. It is used primarily in legal or high-stakes contexts when one party acts against a confidential understanding.

autotegious

C1

To provide oneself with a protective covering or to self-shield against external environmental factors. It typically describes the action of an organism or system creating its own defensive layer or housing without outside assistance.

monoonymism

C1

The practice or state of being known by a single name (a mononym) rather than a multi-part name including a surname. This phenomenon is frequently observed in historical records, the arts, and specific cultural naming conventions.

proscribhood

C1

Relating to the state or quality of being officially forbidden, denounced, or legally excluded from society. It describes an entity, person, or practice that exists under a formal ban or a condition of social ostracism.

supercuracy

C1

A level of precision that exceeds standard or expected limits, often used in technical, scientific, or computational contexts to describe near-perfect accuracy. It signifies the achievement of performance that is significantly higher than conventional benchmarks, particularly in data processing or high-end instrumentation.

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