tempo
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the speed at which a piece of music is played.
the rate of speed or pace of a musical passage, typically measured in beats per minute.
Simple“The conductor asked the orchestra to play at a faster tempo for the final part of the song.”
In context“The piece begins with a slow, mournful adagio before shifting into a much more energetic tempo for the second movement.”
UsageOften used with the verbs 'increase', 'slow down', or 'maintain'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the speed or rhythm of an activity or a period of time.
the rate of motion or activity; the characteristic pace of a process or event.
Simple“The tempo of modern life can feel very stressful if you do not take time to relax.”
In context“The team struggled to keep up with the high tempo of the game in the final twenty minutes of the match.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'the tempo of [something]'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
a move that gives you a timing advantage over an opponent.
a unit of time or a move that allows a player to gain a strategic advantage by forcing an opponent to react.
Simple“By attacking the queen, he gained a tempo and improved his position on the board.”
In context“The grandmaster sacrificed a pawn to gain a crucial tempo, effectively seizing the initiative for the remainder of the endgame.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to games like chess or bridge; learners should use 'pace' or 'speed' in everyday contexts.
“Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA “There is always a gameplan and Rayan can drop a little bit to manage the tempo and the game,” the 46-year-old said.”
“That moment set the tempo for the rest of a game.”