Word Adjective
presto
adj.
C1 Advanced US /ˈpɹɛsˌtoʊ/ UK /pɹˈɛstəʊ/ presto
Definition
adj.a musical term that means to play something very quickly. It is often used in the titles of songs or pieces to describe a fast and lively tempo.
adj.a musical direction indicating a very fast tempo. Often used as a prefix in the titles of compositions to denote a rapid, lively character.
Examples
“The presto section of the symphony is very fast.”
“The pianist played the presto passage with incredible speed and precision, leaving the audience in awe.”
“While the first movement is a slow, somber adagio, the presto finale provides a sharp contrast with its rapid-fire arpeggios and energetic rhythms.”
Etymology
From Italian presto (“quickly”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Origin Italian presto
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated