ariettas
|a-ri-et-tas|
🇺🇸
/ˌæriˈɛtəz/
🇬🇧
/ˌɑːriˈɛtəz/
(arietta)
small aria
Etymology
'arietta' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'arietta' (diminutive of 'aria'), where 'aria' meant 'air' or 'melody'.
'arietta' was borrowed into English from Italian musical terminology in the 18th and 19th centuries as a diminutive form of 'aria', and the English plural 'ariettas' developed as a regular English plural.
Initially it meant 'little air' (a small melodic piece), and over time it became used specifically for a short aria or brief lyrical musical piece in musical contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'arietta': short aria or brief lyrical musical piece, often a short operatic or vocal solo or a short instrumental piece resembling a little song.
The composer inserted several ariettas between the longer movements to provide lyrical contrast.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/14 00:59