lento
|len-to|
🇺🇸
/ˈlɛntoʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˈlɛntəʊ/
slow (tempo)
Etymology
'lento' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'lento', where the root comes from Latin 'lentus' meaning 'slow'.
'lento' came into English as a musical term from Italian (via usage in scores and musical literature), ultimately derived from Latin 'lentus'; the term was adopted into English musical vocabulary in the 18th–19th centuries.
Initially, it meant 'slow' (in Latin and Italian) and this basic sense has been retained in modern musical usage as 'slow' or 'in a slow tempo'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a musical piece or movement that is to be performed at a slow tempo; a slow movement.
He composed a short lento for piano.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
of a slow tempo (used as a musical direction).
The first movement is marked lento.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/15 03:10