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subito

subito

9.9
Suddenly in music to show a quick change in volume or speed
  • adverb
  • /suˈbiːtoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : subito
  • In the score, the composer wrote subito forte to surprise the audience with a sudden loud passage.

Examples

  • The conductor signaled for the orchestra to play subito piano, creating a dramatic effect.

  • The violinist executed the subito change in tempo perfectly, catching everyone's attention.

  • Play subito!

  • The conductor signaled for the orchestra to play subito.

  • The conductor signaled for the orchestra to play subito piano, creating a dramatic effect.

  • In the score, the composer wrote subito forte to surprise the audience with a sudden loud passage.

  • During the performance, the musicians responded to the cue to shift subito into a softer tone.

Synonyms

presto
vssubito
  • Informal
7.8

Said when something happens suddenly, as if by magic

is used in music to signal a sudden immediate change

Antonyms

273 1.9

Slowly and steadily over time

How Suddenly

subito
  • Specialized
9.9
abruptly
145 3.3
suddenly
1.0
gradually
273 1.9

Surface Forms

subito positive

Etymology

In music, subito comes from the Latin subitus meaning 'sudden', so it tells players to make a quick, sharp change. That's why markings like subito piano or subito forte mean 'suddenly soft' or 'suddenly loud'.