appoggiatura
|ap-pog-gi-a-tu-ra|
🇺🇸
/əˌpɑːdʒəˈtʊrə/
🇬🇧
/əˌpɒdʒəˈtjʊərə/
leaning (ornamental) note
Etymology
'appoggiatura' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'appoggiatura', where the verb root 'appoggiare' meant 'to lean' or 'to rest (against)'.
'appoggiatura' was borrowed into English from Italian (used in musical terminology from the 17th–18th century). Italian 'appoggiatura' derives from 'appoggiare' (to lean), ultimately from Vulgar Latin formations related to Latin components meaning 'to' or 'toward' plus a base relating to support/rest.
Initially it referred generally to a 'leaning' tone or something that 'rests' on another; over time it became a technical term for a specific kind of musical grace note or ornament.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a musical ornament (a 'leaning' or 'accented' grace note) typically approached by a leap and resolved by a step, often taking some of the time value of the main note; may be accented or unaccented depending on context.
The singer added a slow appoggiatura before the phrase's resolution.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/26 02:43