Word
presto
US/ˈpɹɛsˌtoʊ/
UK/pɹˈɛstəʊ/
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.”
Examples
simple
“The presto section of the symphony is very fast.”
contextual
“The pianist played the presto passage with incredible speed and precision, leaving the audience in awe.”
complex
“While the first movement is a slow, somber adagio, the presto finale provides a sharp contrast with its rapid-fire arpeggios and energetic rhythms.”
Real-World Examples
“You turn 18 and in the eyes of the law, hey presto, you're an adult.” Etymology
From Italian presto (“quickly”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/presto