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.

See tempo in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. tempos or tempi

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
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)

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.
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

Learn more about tempo

tempo synonyms

tempo Culture

tempo phrase meanings

tempo in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box