What does "tempo" mean?

1. (music speed) the speed at which a piece of music is played. 2. (general pace) the speed or rhythm of an activity or a period of time. 3. (strategy/chess) a move that gives you a timing advantage over an opponent.

How do you use "tempo"?

Often used with the verbs 'increase', 'slow down', or 'maintain'. Commonly used in the phrase 'the tempo of [something]'.

tempo

US //ˈtɛmˌpoʊ// UK //tˈɛmpəʊ// tem·po

1 music speed (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Music

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.

Example

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

Example

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'.
2 general pace (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

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]'.

Show 1 more senseShow fewer

3 strategy/chess (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical

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.

Example

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

Example

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

Teacher's tip

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