soloist
UK: ˈsəʊləʊɪst | US: ˈsoʊloʊɪst
n. a musician or singer who performs a solo
n. a person who works or performs alone
The word "soloist" combines "solo," derived from the Italian "solo" (meaning "alone," from Latin "solus"), with the suffix "-ist," which originates from Latin "-ista" (via Greek "-istes"). This suffix denotes a person who practices or is concerned with something. The term emerged in the early 19th century to describe performers who took center stage alone, highlighting individuality in music or other arts. The logic is straightforward: "solo" (alone) + "-ist" (one who does) = "one who performs alone."
The soloist captivated the audience with a breathtaking violin performance.
As a piano soloist, she often travels internationally for concerts.
The orchestra accompanied the young soloist in the concerto.
He transitioned from choir member to soloist after years of training.
The jazz soloist improvised brilliantly during the set.