soprano

Where does the word "soprano" come from? It comes from Latin supra, passing through Italian before entering English (1700s).

Soprano’s story begins in Latin: supra meant “above.” By 1600s, the word had taken hold in Italian as soprano. Named the highest singing voice. It reached English by 1700s as soprano. Italian 'above', from Latin 'supra'; castrati sang soprano roles in early opera. Today, soprano means the highest singing voice, typically of a woman or boy.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient supra "above", meaning "above".
2. Stage 2 · Italian · 1600s soprano "the highest singing voice", named the highest singing voice.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1700s soprano "the highest range of the singing voice", Italian 'above', from Latin 'supra'; castrati sang soprano roles in early opera.