Opera Is the Plural of Opus
An opera is a drama set to music. The word is Latin for works, the plural of opus, meaning a single work.
An opera is a dramatic work in which the text is sung throughout. The word is a Latin plural: *opus* means a work, *opera* means works, and the Italian phrase *opera in musica*, a work in music, was shortened to just *opera*. So an opera is grammatically several works, and its English plural *operas* adds a second plural to a plural. The related *operate*, *operation* and *cooperate* all rest on the same word for work.
- A sung drama. *An Italian opera.*
- Opus — a single work. *Opus 27.*
- Libretto — the text. *The libretto.*
- Aria — a solo song. *A famous aria.*
- Latin — *opus*, work. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | opera | An opera. |
| Plural | operas | Two operas. |
| Singular Latin | opus | An opus. |
| Adjective | operatic | Operatic singing. |
| Latin | opera | Works. |
- The opera runs for four hours.Performance.
- Opera is the plural of opus.Etymology.
- The libretto was written first.Composition.
Opera vocabulary
- Libretto — the words, literally a little book
- Aria — a solo showcase piece
- Recitative — sung speech carrying the plot
- Overture — the orchestral opening
- Soap opera — named for the detergent companies that sponsored radio serials
Italian *opera*, from Latin *opera*, works, the plural of *opus*, a work.
Why is opera a plural?
It is the Latin plural of opus, a work. The Italian phrase opera in musica was shortened to opera.
Why is a soap opera called that?
Because early American radio serials were sponsored by soap and detergent manufacturers.