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Glite Dictionary
cantabile

cantabile

9.9
A smooth, flowing way of playing or singing that sounds like a song
  • adjective
  • /kænˈtɑːbɪleɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cantabile
  • The pianist performed the passage cantabile, drawing out each note with graceful phrasing.

Examples

  • She encouraged the choir to sing the melody cantabile for greater emotional impact.

  • His violin solo was marked by a beautifully cantabile tone that captivated the audience.

  • The piece was played cantabile to evoke deep emotions.

  • Can you sing this melody cantabile?

  • His violin solo was marked by a beautifully cantabile tone that captivated the audience.

  • She encouraged the choir to sing the melody cantabile for greater emotional impact.

  • The pianist performed the passage cantabile, drawing out each note with graceful phrasing.

Synonyms

singing
vscantabile
13 4.1

Having a smooth, flowing sound or line

is the musical performance style term used in scores rather than general description
mellifluous
vscantabile
  • Formal
4 8.5

A smooth, sweet sound that is pleasant to hear

adds a songlike expressive quality beyond mere pleasant sound
legato
vscantabile
  • Specialized
7.4

To play or sing smoothly so the notes join without breaks

focuses on a songlike, flowing quality rather than strictly note connection
canorous
vscantabile
  • Literature
9.9

Being rich and pleasant in sound like a singing voice

is more about flowing, songlike style than sheer fullness of tone
flowy
vscantabile
  • Informal
3.7

A smooth, continuous style of movement, music, or writing

is more specifically a songlike musical style rather than general movement

Antonyms

choppy
7 5.0

Speech or writing that has short parts and does not flow smoothly

staccato
  • Specialized
3 7.3

Sounds that are short and sharp with clear space between each one

How Songlike

cantabile
  • Specialized
9.9
melodic
18 3.9
simple
220 1.0
spoken
1 1.0

Surface Forms

cantabile positive

Etymology

Cantabile comes from Italian and the root cantare meaning 'to sing', the same root as the English word chant. So in music, a passage marked cantabile should be played or sung in a smooth, flowing, songlike way.