contralto
contralto Lexical Profile
contralto Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The lowest female singing voice, having a vocal range below mezzo-soprano and between tenor and mezzo-soprano, or a musical part written for this voice.
"The composer wrote the solemn aria specifically for a deep contralto."
A singer who has a contralto voice or performs a contralto part.
"Marian Anderson was a world-renowned contralto celebrated for her expressive power and vocal depth."
• adjective
Relating to, having the range of, or written for the lowest female singing voice.
"She spoke in a rich, resonant contralto voice that commanded the attention of the entire room."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'alto' and 'contralto' are often used interchangeably in general contexts, in classical opera 'contralto' specifically refers to a solo female singer with the lowest vocal range and a dark, rich timbre, whereas 'alto' typically denotes a choral part.
• Rhymes for contralto
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 18th century from Italian 'contralto', from medieval Latin 'contratenor altus' (high countertenor), referring to a vocal part written in counterpoint to the tenor.