What does 'diva' mean in English?

Answer 1

Diva means a great or famous woman, who has achieved success by her own efforts, skills, determination and single-mindedness.

ORIGINALLY a diva meant a celebrated female opera singer, corresponding directly with the Italian 'primadonna' (i.e. first/top/utmost woman). But the Latin: 'diva' actually means a 'goddess!'

These operatic 'diva's' were considered to be very egotistical, demanding, and temperamental.

This reputation has transferred to the English word 'diva,' which is also used with reference to other very successful female singers, not just Opera singers. By extension it is also sometimes applied to other outstanding female performers etc. in other fields.

SUMMARY
The word diva can mean an outstanding female opera singer or celebrated female singer/actress/star, or a successful female entrepreneur/manager etc etc

USAGE: The word 'Diva' ...

1. can mean simply a woman that is famous/celebrated/outstanding in her field, or
2. can carry the negative implication that this 'very special' female is also arrogant, demanding and temperamental, behaving as if she were 'god!' "Who does she think she is?"

Some acclaimed Divas
OPERA

• Dame Nellie Melba
• Maria Callas
• Kiri Te Kanawa

WORLD MUSIC

• Cesaria Evora -the "Barefoot Diva"

INDIAN MUSIC

• Lata Mangeshgar

POPULAR MUSIC

• Various - see Related links

VIOLIN

• Anne-Sophie Mutter
• Vanessa May

CINEMA

• Greta Garbo

For more information, see Related links below.