tempo

The tempo is the speed at which something - especially music - happens.

(noun)

When a song is played quickly and in an upbeat manner, this is an example of a song that is up tempo.

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See tempo in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. tempos or tempi

  1. the speed at which a musical composition is, or is supposed to be, performed: it is indicated by such notations as allegro, andante, etc. or by reference to metronome timing
  2. rate of activity; pace: the tempo of modern living

Origin: It < L tempus, time: see temper

See tempo in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. tem·pos or tem·pi (-pē)
  1. Music The speed at which music is or ought to be played, often indicated on written compositions by a descriptive or metronomic direction to the performer.
  2. A characteristic rate or rhythm of activity; a pace: “the tempo and the feeling of modern life” (Robert L. Heilbroner).

Origin:

Origin: Italian

Origin: , from Latin tempus, time

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