pianissimo
- adjective
- /ˌpiːəˈnɪsɪmoʊ/
- Specialized
:
pianísimo
- The piece begins pianissimo, creating a delicate and intimate atmosphere.
Examples
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Please play the final bars pianissimo for a gentle ending.
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The orchestra played pianissimo during the quiet scene.
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In the score, the passage marked pianissimo demands great control from the performer.
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Can you play that piece pianissimo?
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The piece begins pianissimo, creating a delicate and intimate atmosphere.
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In the score, the passage marked pianissimo demands great control from the performer.
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Please play the final bars pianissimo for a gentle ending.
Synonyms
517
1.0
In a quiet way that makes little or no noise
178
1.0
In a quiet, low voice or at low volume
4
2.8
In music, played very quietly so the sound is almost not heard
Played or sung very softly in music
In music, softly so notes sound quiet
Antonyms
Compounds
How Loud
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
1
7.5
- Specialized
24
3.1
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Etymology
Pianissimo comes from Italian parts: piano meaning 'soft' and the ending -issimo meaning 'very'. Think of the instrument piano to remember this — pianissimo means 'very softly', so a performer must play or sing with great quiet control.