Tempo sets the mood in music. Too fast or too slow, the tempo can make or break a composition. Dive into adjectives that aptly describe various tempos.
Description of Tempo
Tempo refers to the speed or pace at which a musical piece is played.
Words to Describe Tempo
Here are the 30 most common words to describe Tempo;
- Allegro
- Andante
- Presto
- Lento
- Adagio
- Moderato
- Vivace
- Accelerando
- Ritardando
- Rallentando
- Larghetto
- Grave
- Allegretto
- Adagietto
- Rubato
- Forte
- Maestoso
- Furioso
- Pesante
- Scherzando
- Languid
- Brisk
- Relaxed
- Rushed
- Sluggish
- Animated
- Stately
- Sprightly
- Steady
- Erratic
Positive Words to Describe Tempo
- Allegro
- Vivace
- Moderato
- Animated
- Sprightly
- Brisk
- Steady
- Languid
- Relaxed
- Scherzando
Negative Words to Describe Tempo
- Sluggish
- Erratic
- Rushed
- Pesante
- Furioso
- Grave
- Heavy
- Dragging
- Plodding
- Hasty
Adjectives for Tempo (Meanings and Example Sentences)
Allegro
- Meaning: Quick and lively
- The song had an allegro beat, uplifting us.
Vivace
- Meaning: Lively and fast
- The concerto started with a vivace movement.
Moderato
- Meaning: Moderate speed
- The moderato pace allowed for easy listening.
Sluggish
- Meaning: Slow and lacking energy
- The music felt sluggish and unenergetic.
Erratic
- Meaning: Unpredictably varied in speed
- The erratic tempo confused the dancers.
Rushed
- Meaning: Too fast, hurried
- The rushed pace made it hard to follow.
Languid
- Meaning: Slow and relaxed
- We enjoyed the languid rhythm of the song.
Animated
- Meaning: Full of life or excitement
- The animated tempo made everyone dance.
Steady
- Meaning: Unchanging, consistent speed
- The drummer kept a steady beat throughout.
Scherzando
- Meaning: Playful, joking manner
- The scherzando section lightened the mood.
How to Describe Tempo in writing?
When describing tempo in writing, focus on the pace and energy it adds to a piece. Use specific terms that convey the speed, intensity, and mood. The chosen words should give readers a clear sense of the rhythm and how it contributes to the overall feel of the music.
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