A Closer Look 2: Lesson 4 · Street Talk 2 Vocabulary List

a slight, rapid variation in pitch and intensity of a note

"Vibrato pulses pitch slightly."

"Vibrato is a slight rapid fluctuation in pitch used to add warmth and expression to a note."

someone who is highly skilled at playing a musical instrument

"She is a virtuoso."

"The violin virtuoso amazed the audience."

in a way that occurs continuously without a limit

"The pattern repeats ad infinitum."

"The pattern repeats ad infinitum so you will never reach the end no matter how long you continue."

to say or perform something spontaneously without prior preparation

"The actor ad libs when forgetting lines."

"The actor forgot his line so he had to ad lib a joke that actually made the scene funnier than the original script."

excessively repeated to the point of annoyance

"He said it ad nauseam."

"The politician discussed the same minor issue ad nauseam, irritating everyone in the audience."

the university, college, or school that one used to study at

"Visit alma mater university."

"She returned to visit her alma mater university after many years to see old friends and teachers."

one's other personality, particularly one that greatly differs from what one often shows

"Clark Kent is Superman's alter ego."

"The shy author adopted a flamboyant alter ego for public appearances and interviews."

a person, particularly a male one, who is a former student of a college, university, or school

"He is an alumnus of Harvard."

"An alumnus is a male graduate or former student of a particular educational institution"

between midnight and noon

"The store opens at nine a.m."

"The store opens at nine a.m. every morning except Sunday when it opens at ten a.m. instead."

after noon and before midnight

"We eat dinner at seven p.m."

"We eat dinner at seven p.m. every evening because that is when everyone gets home from work and school."

(of a relationship) characterized by emotional closeness without romantic or sexual elements

"We have a platonic relationship."

"We have a platonic relationship and are just friends without any romantic or sexual feelings for each other."

an actor or actress who performs on stage or in film

"The thespian performed a dramatic monologue."

"The thespian had performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company for more than two decades."

a tropical storm with violent winds moving in a circle that form over the western Pacific Ocean

"A typhoon is a tropical storm."

"The powerful typhoon destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate the coastal area."

with increasing speed

"The music played accelerando toward the end."

"The music played accelerando toward the end and the tempo became faster and faster until the finale."

one who agitates; a political troublemaker

"The agitator spoke loudly."

"The charismatic agitator successfully rallied the workers to demand better wages and conditions."

(of food, particularly pasta) cooked just enough to still have a firm texture when bitten into, without being overly soft or mushy

"The pasta is al dente."

"The pasta was cooked al dente so it was firm to the bite and not too soft or mushy."

in a moderately quick tempo

"The piece should be played allegretto."

"The piece should be played allegretto which means moderately fast but not too fast."

a long, elaborate song that is melodious and is intended for a solo voice, especially in an opera

"Beautiful opera aria."

"The soprano sang a very beautiful and emotional aria that moved the entire audience to tears."

a musical technique where the notes of a chord are played individually in a sequence rather than simultaneously

"The pianist played a fast arpeggio"

"The pianist played a beautiful arpeggio, letting each note of the chord ring out clearly before moving to the next."

a vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically structured in multiple movements and often involving a choir, soloists, and orchestra

"The choir rehearsed the Bach cantata."

"The choir performed a Bach cantata at the Christmas service accompanied by a small orchestra."

a type of coffee made from espresso mixed with hot milk or cream

"The cappuccino is hot."

"She ordered a cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the thick foam."

a type of soprano singer known for their ability to perform intricate and embellished vocal passages

"Coloratura sopranos sing high notes."

"Coloratura is elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody especially in soprano singing."

lively with spirit

"The piece begins allegro con spirito."

"The orchestra played the first movement allegro con spirito with lively energy and enthusiasm."

(chiefly a direction or description in music) very loud and strong

"The orchestra played fortissimo."

"The fortissimo passage required the orchestra to play as loudly as possible and the sound shook the concert hall."

in disguise or using a false identity to avoid being recognized

"He traveled incognito."

"The celebrity managed to enjoy a quiet vacation by traveling incognito, blending in with the local crowd."

used to describe a moderately slow tempo, slower than andante but faster than largo

"The tempo is larghetto."

"The larghetto tempo was moderately slow and the dancers moved gracefully across the stage."

a musical piece that is intended to be performed at a very slow tempo and in a serious manner

"Largo means very slow."

"Largo is a tempo marking that indicates the music should be played very slow and broad."

(of tempo) slow

"The music is lento."

"The lento introduction of the piece was slow and mournful before the tempo suddenly increased dramatically."

a person who is an expert or master in conducting or directing an orchestra or musical performance

"The maestro raised his baton and the whole orchestra began to play."

"The orchestra listened carefully as the maestro raised his baton to begin the beautiful symphony."

a moderate or half voice, meaning to sing or play at a medium volume, not too loud or too soft

"She sang the phrase mezzo voce."

"The singer delivered the emotional passage mezzo voce with a soft restrained tone."

a musical suite, typically a collection of dance movements, often in the Baroque period

"The violinist played a Bach partita."

"The violinist performed a Bach partita which consisted of several dance inspired movements."

(music) low loudness

"The ending is marked pianissimo."

"The orchestra played the final chord pianissimo fading to barely a whisper of sound."

(of instruments in the violin family) to be plucked with the finger

"The violinist played pizzicato."

"The pizzicato violins plucked their strings instead of using bows and the effect was playful and light."

(of tempo) very fast

"The music is presto."

"The presto finale of the concerto was incredibly fast and the pianist's fingers flew across the keys."

the main female singer in an opera or opera company

"Famous prima donna sang."

"The famous prima donna sang the leading role in the opera with great emotion."

a flexible tempo; not strictly on the beat

"The pianist played with rubato."

"The pianist played with rubato slightly speeding up and slowing down for expressive effect."

(music) a notation written above a note and indicating that it is to be played with a strong initial attack

"The orchestra played the sforzando chord."

"The sudden sforzando accent from the horns startled the audience with its powerful intensity."

playing or singing musical notes with short, distinct intervals between them

"The music is staccato."

"The staccato notes were short and detached creating a lively and energetic feel."

a warning against certain acts

"The offer comes with a caveat."

"The lawyer added a caveat to the contract that limited the company's liability in certain situations."

continuing in the same way

"Books, pens, etc."

"We need to buy fruits apples bananas oranges etc for the fruit salad at the party."

an offspring of a human or animal that is not born yet, particularly a human aged more than eight weeks after conception

"The fetus developed inside the womb."

"A fetus is the developing unborn offspring from the end of the eighth week after conception until the moment of birth at full term."

without costing anything

"The drinks were provided gratis."

"The drinks were provided gratis by the hotel as a courtesy to their guests who had booked the deluxe package."

an explanation based on limited facts and evidence that is not yet proved to be true

"Test the hypothesis now."

"The scientist formulated a testable hypothesis to explain the observed phenomenon."

used to introduce a clarification or explanation

"He likes fruit i.e apples and oranges."

"He likes citrus fruits i.e oranges lemons and grapefruits because they are refreshing and healthy."

while absent; although absent

"He was tried in absentia."

"He was tried in absentia because he had fled the country before the trial could begin."

(psychology) the mental energy or drive connected with sexual desire

"His libido decreased with age."

"His libido decreased significantly after he started taking the new antidepressant medication."

per person

"The per capita income is low."

"The per capita income is low in this region so many families struggle to afford basic necessities."

used to describe something as it is, without comparing it to other things

"It is good itself."

"The idea is not per se bad but it needs to be implemented carefully to avoid unintended negative consequences."

(psychology) a person's social representation or the impression other's have of a certain individual which is concealing the true self

"Her on-stage persona is very confident."

"The author's public persona was cheerful and outgoing but she was private and reserved at home."

occurring or done after death

"The postmortem report is ready."

"The postmortem examination revealed that the cause of death was a massive heart attack."

an additional thought or comment added after the main body of a letter or document, usually after the signature

"She added a post scriptum at the bottom."

"The handwritten post scriptum at the end of the letter added an important detail."

something done as a formality or for the sake of procedure, often without necessarily having practical significance

"The invoice is proforma only."

"The company issued a proforma invoice to show the estimated costs before the actual sale."

the smallest possible amount of a particular quantity that cannot be divided any further

"Quantum physics is a complex subject."

"A quantum computer harnesses the bizarre principles of superposition and entanglement."

the final part of the large intestine where waste is collected before being passed through the anus

"The rectum stores solid waste."

"The rectum stores solid waste before it is expelled from the body through the anus."

a pouch of skin that houses the testicles in the male reproductive system

"The scrotum holds the testicles."

"The scrotum is the pouch of skin that holds and protects the testicles outside the body."

mucus or phlegm that is coughed up from the respiratory tract, typically as a result of infection or disease

"Doctors tested the patient's sputum."

"The lab analyzed the sputum for bacterial infections."

the situation or condition that is currently at hand

"Maintain status quo."

"Many people want to maintain the status quo instead of making necessary changes."

in exactly the same words as used originally

"He repeated the speech verbatim."

"The student repeated the speech verbatim and the teacher was impressed that she had memorized every single word perfectly."

with the order or relations reversed

"I help him and vice versa."

"I help him when he needs it and vice versa because we have a very supportive and balanced friendship."

a person who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a particular activity, subject, or interest

"The aficionado collects rare wines."

"The coffee aficionado could identify the origin of beans by tasting a single sip."

a hut, shelter, or cabin, usually at a swimming pool or beach

"We relaxed by the cabana."

"The resort guests relaxed in their private cabana by the pool ordering drinks from waiters."

a bar or small restaurant, often one that serves wine or alcoholic beverages, especially in Mediterranean countries

"We ate tacos at the cantina."

"The workers gathered at the cantina after their shift for cold beer and conversations."

dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes

"The hiker walked through dry chaparral."

"The hikers walked through the dry chaparral landscape covered with low shrubs and small trees."

a person of Mexican descent

"The Chicano artist painted a mural."

"The Chicano art movement celebrated Mexican American culture and addressed social justice issues."

a Latin American (disparaging) term for foreigners (especially Americans and Englishmen)

"The gringo looked lost."

"Although the term can be used disparagingly, some Latin Americans use gringo casually to refer to any foreigner."

***until the (next) view : see you later

"Hasta la vista! I will see you later."

"Hasta la vista! I will see you later. Do not forget to write to me while I am gone."

used to say "see you tomorrow," often used as a friendly farewell when you expect to meet someone again the next day

"Hasta ma�ana, my friend."

"The Spanish teacher said hasta mañana to her students as they left the classroom for the day."

without the means or right to communicate

"The prisoner is held incommunicado."

"The celebrity remained incommunicado for days while the scandal unfolded and reporters could not reach him."

strongly masculine, often in appearance or manner

"He has a macho attitude."

"The macho man refused to ask for directions because he thought it would make him look weak."

the principal bullfighter who is appointed to make the final passes and kill the bull

"The matador killed the bull."

"The matador faced the bull with a red cape and a sword in the final act of the bullfight."

used to express a large quantity or degree of something, meaning "much," "a lot," or "many" depending on context

"Thank you mucho for your help."

"Thank you mucho for your help because I could not have finished this project without you."

a chaplain in one of the military services

"The padre offered comfort."

"The padre conducted a solemn memorial service for the fallen soldiers, offering spiritual guidance and support."

a simple, sleeveless outer garment, worn over the body to provide warmth and protection from the elements

"The sudden rain made him glad he had a poncho."

"The wool poncho kept him warm and dry while allowing his arms to move freely for hiking."

without wasting any time; immediately

"Come here pronto."

"Come here pronto because I need your help with something urgent and important."

a Spanish title or form of address for a man; similar to the English `Mr' or `sir'

"Good evening, Senor," said the waiter."

"The shopkeeper addressed the customer as senor and offered assistance in finding his size."

a Spanish title or form of address for a married woman; similar to the English `Mrs' or `madam'

"The Senora owns the boutique."

"The senora who lived next door brought fresh tamales every Christmas for the whole neighborhood."

a woman of refinement

"Yes, ma'am," the soldier replied."

"The flight attendant addressed the elderly passenger as ma'am and helped her find her seat."

a Spanish title or form of address used to or of an unmarried girl or woman; similar to the English `Miss'

"The Senorita danced flamenco beautifully."

"The young senorita danced flamenco in a flowing red dress at the local festival."

a felt or straw hat with a wide brim and a tall crown, typically worn by Mexican men

"The sombrero has wide brim."

"The mariachi band member wore a large ornate sombrero with a wide brim and a pointed crown decorated with silver and embroidery."

for a certain purpose, especially an immediate one

"The committee was formed ad hoc."

"The committee was formed ad hoc to address the urgent problem and will disband after finding a solution."

genuine and not fake

"He is a bona fide expert."

"The bona fide expert was invited to speak at the conference because of his years of experience."

not displaying emotions and not complaining, especially in difficult and painful situations

"He remained stoic during the pain."

"He remained stoic during the pain and did not cry or complain even though his leg was broken."

sung without instrumental accompaniment

"The group sings a capella."

"The a capella group sang beautiful harmonies without any musical instruments and the audience was amazed."

a brisk and lively tempo

"The music played allegro."

"The composer indicated an allegro tempo for the final movement, demanding a lively rendition."

(of tempo) moderately slow

"The music is andante."

"The andante movement of the symphony was slow and graceful and the audience listened in complete silence."

the speed that a piece of music is or should be played at

"The tempo is very fast."

"The conductor carefully controlled the music's tempo to evoke the intended mood."

a female singer with the lowest singing voice

"Contralto is lowest female voice."

"Contralto is the lowest female singing voice often used for rich dramatic roles."

(of sound) characterized by a progressive amplification

"The sound grew crescendo."

"The crescendo of the music built slowly until the entire orchestra exploded in a powerful finish."

(music) gradually decreasing in volume

"The sound faded diminuendo."

"The diminuendo at the end of the song made the final notes fade away like a gentle whisper."

a singer that uses a male singing voice that extends over the range of a tenor voice

"He sang in falsetto."

"The singer effortlessly transitioned into a clear falsetto to reach the song's highest notes."

played or sung loudly or with strong emphasis

"The music was forte."

"The composer marked the passage with a forte indication, demanding a powerful and resonant performance."

(musical direction) in the manner of a glissando (with a rapidly executed series of notes)

"The pianist played a beautiful glissando."

"The pianist played a beautiful glissando by sliding her fingers rapidly across the white keys."

serious and solemn in manner or character

"Her expression was grave."

"The judge maintained a grave demeanor throughout the solemn proceedings of the court."

a type of classical female singing voice situated between the soprano and contralto ranges

"Her voice is mezzo-soprano."

"The mezzo-soprano's performance was captivating, bridging the gap between the higher and lower vocal parts."

used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly

"Play the piano softly."

"Play the piano softly because the baby is sleeping in the next room and we do not want to wake him."

a female or young male singer with a singing voice that has the highest range

"Soprano is highest female voice."

"Soprano is the highest of the standard classical female singing voice types."

an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others

"His ego was huge."

"His inflated ego prevented him from accepting constructive criticism from his colleagues."

with high honor; with high academic distinction

"She graduated magna cum laude."

"She graduated magna cum laude which placed her in the top ten percent of her entire university class."

the condition or situation of something or someone at a particular moment in time

"What is the status?"

"The current status of the project indicates significant progress towards the final deadline."

a Yiddish term for a doughnut-shaped, yeast-leavened roll with a shiny, firm crust

"I ate a bagel."

"He enjoyed a fresh, chewy bagel with cream cheese for breakfast this morning."