How Do You Spell SWAN LAKE?

Pronunciation: [swˈɒn lˈe͡ɪk] (IPA)

Swan Lake, a popular ballet known for its beautiful music and graceful dancing, is spelled /swɒn leɪk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "swan," is pronounced with a short "o" sound and the "w" consonant. The second syllable, "lake," has a long "a" sound and is spelled with the "e" silent at the end. The spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of the words and helps to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. Overall, the spelling of "Swan Lake" is straightforward and easy to remember.

SWAN LAKE Meaning and Definition

1. Swan Lake is a renowned ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875-1876, with a libretto by Vladimir Begichev and Vasily Geltser. It is considered one of the most famous and influential classical ballets in history, exemplifying the elegance and technical skill of the art form.

   The ballet's storyline revolves around a princess named Odette, who is cursed by an evil sorcerer. The curse transforms her into a swan during the day and back into a human only at night. The spell can only be broken by true love. Prince Siegfried, the central male character, discovers Odette while hunting near a magical lake filled with swans, known as Swan Lake. Captivated by her beauty and grace, he falls in love with her and vows to free her from the curse.

   Swan Lake is characterized by its hauntingly beautiful music, graceful choreography, and symbolic representation of eternal love, betrayal, and redemption. The ballet's most notable scenes include the iconic "Dance of the Swans" and the emotionally charged final act. The ethereal swan imagery, showcased through the interplay between the innocent Odette and the seductive Odile (the sorcerer's daughter), has captivated and enchanted audiences for decades.

   Due to its enduring popularity, Swan Lake has become a cornerstone of the classical ballet repertoire, performed by prestigious ballet companies worldwide. It has inspired countless adaptations, interpretations, and artistic references beyond the realm of dance, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon and a masterpiece of the arts.

Etymology of SWAN LAKE

The word "swan lake" is a compound noun consisting of two separate words: "swan" and "lake".

- "Swan" originates from the Old English word "swan", which is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "swanaz". This word is related to the Old Norse word "svanr" and the Old High German word "swan". These words ultimately trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*swonh" or "*swen-", which means "sound, tone" and is possibly imitative of the swan's call.

- "Lake" comes from the Middle English word "lake", which was borrowed from the Old French word "lac" or "lacu". The Old French word itself has Latin roots, as it was derived from the Latin word "lacus", meaning "basin" or "lake".