Allegretto

Part of speech: adverb, noun

Definitions

1. A musical term referring to a tempo that is moderately brisk, positioned between adagio and andante, often lending a joyful essence to compositions
2. Describing a tempo in music that is quicker than slow but not quite fast, which enhances the overall liveliness of a piece
3. A tempo marking in music that indicates a speed that is moderate, faster than leisurely yet slower than rapid, contributing to the piece's overall uplifting character

Etymology: Allegretto is a diminutive of the Italian "allegro," which means "cheerful" or "lively" and comes from Latin "alacer," meaning "brisk" or "eager." The suffix "-etto" makes the base word smaller, so the term sounds like "a little bit allegro." Musicians therefore use it for a tempo that is brisk but held back from the full speed of allegro. The word was borrowed directly from Italian, where the tempo markings of the Baroque and Classical eras developed. Composers used such diminutives to fine-tune speed, so an allegretto sits between andante, a walking pace, and allegro, a fast one.

Synonyms: moderate, lively, brisk, cheerful, joyful

Antonyms: largo, grave, slow, sad, heavy