allegretto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal (primarily musical context); Rare in general discourse.
Quick answer
What does “allegretto” mean?
A musical term indicating a moderately fast tempo, faster than andante but slower than allegro.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical term indicating a moderately fast tempo, faster than andante but slower than allegro.
Can refer to a piece of music or movement within a larger work performed at this tempo. In broader usage, it can describe any action or process that proceeds at a brisk but not hurried pace.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slight variation in spoken emphasis.
Connotations
Carries identical technical, artistic connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language, exclusive to musical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “allegretto” in a Sentence
[piece/performance] + be + marked + allegretto[conductor] + took + [movement] + allegrettoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “allegretto” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- Take it allegretto, not too quickly.
- The score instructs the violins to play allegretto.
American English
- They performed the third movement allegretto.
- The maestro indicated we should go allegretto here.
adjective
British English
- The allegretto passage requires precise articulation.
- She preferred the allegretto middle section.
American English
- The allegretto movement is the heart of the symphony.
- His interpretation was firmly allegretto.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in musicology, performance practice, and score analysis.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside discussing classical music.
Technical
Core term in musical notation and conducting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “allegretto”
- Pronouncing the final 'o' as in 'pot' (should be /əʊ/ or /oʊ/).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'fast' instead of its specific tempo meaning.
- Confusing it with 'allegro' or 'andante'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no fixed metronome mark. Traditionally, it is around 100-120 beats per minute, but it is relative, interpreted as 'moderately fast' and depends on the character of the piece and historical period.
Extremely rarely. It might be used metaphorically in literary or descriptive writing (e.g., 'she walked at an allegretto pace'), but this is highly stylised and not common.
Allegro means 'fast, quick, and bright'. Allegretto is a diminutive form, meaning 'a little allegro'—slightly slower, lighter, and often more playful or graceful than allegro.
It is primarily used as an adverb (describing how to play) or an adjective (describing a movement). It can also function as a noun to refer to a piece or movement in that tempo (e.g., 'the allegretto from Beethoven's Seventh').
A musical term indicating a moderately fast tempo, faster than andante but slower than allegro.
Allegretto is usually technical/formal (primarily musical context); rare in general discourse. in register.
Allegretto: in British English it is pronounced /ˌælɪˈɡretəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌælɪˈɡreˌdoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At an allegretto clip (rare, extended metaphorical use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'a little gay' (in the old sense of 'light-hearted and lively'), but not full-on 'allegro'.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEMPO IS SPEED OF MOVEMENT / EMOTIONAL INTENSITY IS TEMPO
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'allegretto' most accurately and frequently used?