Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Impresario"

Podcast Episode: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Release Date: April 6, 2025
Word of the Day: Impresario

Introduction to "Impresario"

In the April 6th episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" podcast, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the rich meaning and history of the word "impresario." Delivered at [00:43], Sokolowski begins by presenting the pronunciation and definition, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the term.

Definition and Usage

Impresario is introduced as a noun pronounced I-M-P-R-E-S-A-R-I-O. Sokolowski defines it succinctly:

"An impresario is a person who manages, puts on or sponsors a performance or other entertainment, such as a concert, play or sporting event."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

To illustrate its usage, he cites an example from the Wilmington Star:

"Louis Maynor, better known as Louis T, was mainly known as a producer, a hip hop impresario who'd been staging shows and concerts around Wilmington since the late 1990s."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

This example highlights the role of an impresario in the contemporary entertainment scene, showcasing their involvement in organizing diverse events like concerts, music festivals, television series, and professional wrestling matches.

Historical Context and Etymology

Sokolowski provides an insightful look into the origins of "impresario," tracing it back to the 1700s when English borrowed the term directly from Italian. He explains:

"The Italian noun 'impresa' means undertaking. A close relative is the English word 'emprise,' meaning an adventurous, daring or chivalric enterprise, which, like impresario, traces back to the Latin verb 'prehendere,' meaning to seize."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

This etymological journey underscores the word's deep roots in describing ambitious and large-scale projects, aligning with the responsibilities of an impresario.

Furthermore, Sokolowski distinguishes "impresario" from the seemingly similar word "impress":

"Despite their apparent similarities, the words 'impress' and 'impresario' are not related. 'Impress' is a descendant of the Latin verb 'pressare,' a form of the word 'premere,' meaning to press."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

This clarification helps listeners understand the distinct paths these words have taken despite their phonetic resemblance.

Evolution of Meaning

Initially, "impresario" in English mirrored its Italian counterpart, primarily referring to opera company managers. However, Sokolowski notes that its usage has broadened significantly in modern times:

"At first, English speakers used 'impresario,' as the Italians did, to refer to opera company managers, though today it's used much more broadly."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

This evolution reflects the expanding scope of entertainment industries and the diverse roles impresarios play beyond traditional opera management.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the exploration of "impresario," Peter Sokolowski encapsulates the essence of the term, emphasizing its relevance in today's multifaceted entertainment landscape. He reiterates the word's definition and historical background, ensuring listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of its meaning and applications.

"With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski."
— Peter Sokolowski [02:32]

Notable Quotes

• Definition and Example:

  "An impresario is a person who manages, puts on or sponsors a performance or other entertainment, such as a concert, play or sporting event."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

• Etymology and Distinction:

  "Despite their apparent similarities, the words 'impress' and 'impresario' are not related. 'Impress' is a descendant of the Latin verb 'pressare,' a form of the word 'premere,' meaning to press."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

• Evolution of Usage:

  "At first, English speakers used 'impresario,' as the Italians did, to refer to opera company managers, though today it's used much more broadly."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:43]

Additional Resources

For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, listeners are encouraged to visit Merriam-Webster's website as mentioned towards the end of the episode.

This episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" provides listeners with a thorough understanding of "impresario," blending definition, historical context, and contemporary relevance to enrich vocabulary and comprehension.