1. a style of opera that emphasizes realistic portrayals of everyday life and ordinary people
Usage: music; Italian origin
2. a movement in Italian literature emphasizing realistic depiction of contemporary life
Usage: literature; late 19th century

Examples

• Puccini’s La Bohème is a classic example of verismo opera.
• The composer rejected romantic themes in favor of verismo.
• Verismo operas often featured working-class characters and social issues.
• The verismo movement influenced both Italian literature and opera.
• Critics praised the opera’s verismo approach to storytelling.
• Verismo sought to portray life as it really was, not idealized.