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solista

so-LEES-tah/soˈlista/

soloist

Also: solo performer
Nounm or fB1
A single violinist standing on a stage under a spotlight, playing their instrument alone.

📝 In Action

El solista canta con mucha emoción.

A1

The soloist sings with a lot of emotion.

La solista de la orquesta tocó el violín maravillosamente.

B1

The orchestra's soloist played the violin wonderfully.

Después de años en la banda, decidió lanzarse como solista.

B2

After years in the band, he decided to launch himself as a solo artist.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • individualista (individualist)

Antonyms

  • corista (choir member/backup singer)
  • acompañante (accompanist)

Common Collocations

  • cantante solista – solo singer
  • carrera solista – solo career
  • violinista solista – solo violinist

solo

A single golden trumpet resting on a velvet cushion, highlighted as the main instrument.

📝 In Action

Ella tiene un papel solista en la nueva ópera.

B2

She has a solo role in the new opera.

El instrumento solista destaca sobre el resto de la banda.

C1

The solo instrument stands out over the rest of the band.

Prefiero las piezas solistas a las composiciones grupales.

C1

I prefer solo pieces over group compositions.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • papel solista – solo role
  • instrumento solista – solo instrument

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "solista" in Spanish:

solo→solo performer→soloist→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: solista

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'the female soloist'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'solus' (meaning 'alone') combined with the suffix '-ista,' which is used to describe a person's trade or specialty.

First recorded: 18th century (systematized in musical terminology)

Cognates (Related words)

English: soloistItalian: solistaFrench: soliste

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'solista' only for singers?

No! It can be used for any musician (like a pianist or violinist), a dancer (like a lead ballet dancer), or even in sports to describe someone who performs an individual routine.

What is the difference between 'solo' and 'solista'?

'Solo' is an adjective meaning 'alone' (e.g., 'Estoy solo'). 'Solista' is a noun or specific adjective for a person performing a musical or artistic solo.

Does 'solistas' change in the plural for gender?

No. For a group of men, it is 'los solistas'. For a group of women, it is 'las solistas'. The word itself stays 'solistas'.