allegri: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal (specialized in music), Informal (extended metaphorical use).
Quick answer
What does “allegri” mean?
The plural of 'allegro', an Italian musical term indicating a brisk, lively tempo.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural of 'allegro', an Italian musical term indicating a brisk, lively tempo.
Refers to multiple sections, movements, or pieces of music played in a fast, cheerful manner. Can be used informally to denote multiple fast-paced, energetic events or activities, extending the musical metaphor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is equally rare in both varieties, confined to musical or highly educated contexts.
Connotations
Connotes sophistication, classical music knowledge, or a deliberate artistic reference when used outside strict musical notation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly higher potential occurrence in UK publications related to classical music reviews.
Grammar
How to Use “allegri” in a Sentence
The [composition] features three contrasting allegri.The orchestra performed several lively allegri.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “allegri” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The conductor wanted to allegri the pace of the finale.
- They allegried through the scherzo with great energy.
American English
- The band decided to allegri the last chorus for effect.
- We allegried our morning routine to catch the early train.
adverb
British English
- The trio played the piece allegri, just as the composer intended.
American English
- He walked allegri through the bustling airport terminal.
adjective
British English
- The allegri sections were played with remarkable precision.
American English
- Her allegri temperament kept the project moving at a rapid clip.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, historical analysis of compositions. E.g., 'The symphony's allegri demonstrate the composer's early style.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Possible in metaphorical description: 'Our weekend was a series of hectic allegri.'
Technical
Core usage in music performance and notation to specify plural tempo markings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “allegri”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “allegri”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “allegri”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'an allegri'). The singular is 'allegro'.
- Mispronouncing with a hard 'g' as in 'go'. It's a soft 'g' as in 'gem'.
- Capitalising it; it's typically in lower case unless starting a sentence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a borrowed Italian term used in English, primarily in the specialized context of Western classical music. It is not a common English word.
Use it as a plural noun referring to pieces or sections of music marked to be played allegro. E.g., 'The concert featured several allegri from the Baroque period.'
The singular form is 'allegro'.
Yes, but very rarely and in a consciously metaphorical way, often to sound literary or educated. E.g., 'The meeting was a succession of bureaucratic allegri.'
The plural of 'allegro', an Italian musical term indicating a brisk, lively tempo.
Allegri is usually formal (specialized in music), informal (extended metaphorical use). in register.
Allegri: in British English it is pronounced /əˈlɛɡri/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈlɛɡri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “life is not all allegri (and no adagios)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Allegri' like 'allergies' that make you move quickly to get a tissue, but here it's music that moves quickly.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED IS CHEERFULNESS / A FAST PACED LIFE IS A MUSICAL ALLEGRO.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'allegri' most accurately used?