Langimage
English

allegretto

|al-le-gret-to|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˌæləˈɡrɛtoʊ/

🇬🇧

/ˌæləˈɡrɛtəʊ/

moderately lively

Etymology
Etymology Information

'allegretto' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'allegretto,' which is a diminutive of 'allegro,' meaning 'cheerful' or 'lively.'

Historical Evolution

'allegretto' was borrowed directly from Italian into English, maintaining its musical connotation.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'somewhat lively,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a musical composition or movement in allegretto tempo.

The symphony's third movement is an allegretto.

Synonyms

Adjective 1

in a moderately quick tempo, faster than andante but slower than allegro.

The piece was played allegretto, giving it a lively feel.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/06/25 18:51