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space opera

space opera

3 6.3
Science fiction stories with big adventures and drama set in outer space between fighting empires
  • noun
  • /speɪs ˈoʊpərə/
  • Literature
translation icon : ópera espacial
  • Yes, that was another great space opera show.
  • an epic space opera

That was why that movie succeeded, not because it was a space opera.

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Examples

  • For my near-future space stories and my space operas, that's easy.

    Blog text (23)
  • The show was probably a harmless enough space opera.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Maybe some kind of streaming thing on the Internet will produce the next great space opera series.

    Blog text (1)
  • To put it in science fiction terms: on the surface, you have a slightly romantic space opera.

    Blog text (27)
  • And Patrick Stewart was the anchor for this more thoughtful take on television space opera.

    Blog text (31)
  • And Battlestar Galactica or BSG is one of them, where it's a great space opera, but it's not about being a space opera.

  • Babylon 5 is an even better example of a space opera—character interactions are 95% of the plot.

    Blog text (17)
  • Mr. Harrison reports that he is currently working on an untitled space opera, and he finds it hard to believe he's writing books in that futuristic time known as the twenty-first century.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Many fans believe that "The Expanse" is one of the best examples of a modern space opera with its intricate world-building and engaging characters.

  • The new film blends elements of romance and adventure, creating a captivating space opera that appeals to both sci-fi enthusiasts and casual viewers.

How Dramatic

space opera
  • Literature
3 6.3
science fiction
  • Literature
119 2.7

Surface Forms

space opera singular
space operas plural

Morphology

space + opera

The compound combines the literal meanings 'space' (outer space) and 'opera' (a grand, dramatic staged work), so a learner can reasonably infer it refers to dramatic or large-scale stories set in space. However, the genre-specific conventions (epic science-fiction adventures, interstellar conflict) and the metaphorical use of 'opera' are not fully predictable from the parts alone, though the term is widely borrowed across languages which aids recognition.

Etymology

Space opera comes from mixing space and opera to picture a loud, dramatic show set in outer space. That's why it now means 'science fiction' with strong emotions, huge battles, and big adventures.