English Reference

Word

tempo

Phoneticstem·po, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈtɛmˌpoʊ/

UK/tˈɛmpəʊ/

Definitions

01music speed

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Music

n. the speed at which a piece of music is played.

n. the rate of speed or pace of a musical passage, typically measured in beats per minute.

“The conductor asked the orchestra to play at a faster tempo for the final part of the song.”

“The piece begins with a slow, mournful adagio before shifting into a much more energetic tempo for the second movement.”

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'increase', 'slow down', or 'maintain'.

Synonyms

pacerhythmspeed

02general pace

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the speed or rhythm of an activity or a period of time.

n. the rate of motion or activity; the characteristic pace of a process or event.

“The tempo of modern life can feel very stressful if you do not take time to relax.”

“The team struggled to keep up with the high tempo of the game in the final twenty minutes of the match.”

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'the tempo of [something]'.

Synonyms

paceratemomentum

03strategy/chess

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

n. a move that gives you a timing advantage over an opponent.

n. a unit of time or a move that allows a player to gain a strategic advantage by forcing an opponent to react.

“By attacking the queen, he gained a tempo and improved his position on the board.”

“The grandmaster sacrificed a pawn to gain a crucial tempo, effectively seizing the initiative for the remainder of the endgame.”

Teaching tip

This sense is specific to games like chess or bridge; learners should use 'pace' or 'speed' in everyday contexts.

Synonyms

advantagetiming

Real-World Examples

“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.”
The Guardian 7 Sept 2026
“That moment set the tempo for the rest of a game.”
The Guardian 6 Sept 2026

Related words

pulsemetronomeTime

Domain

Music

This entry

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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