presto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, specialized (music/magic), occasionally formal in music notation.
Quick answer
What does “presto” mean?
An exclamation used by magicians to signal the sudden completion of a trick, or a musical direction meaning very fast, lively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An exclamation used by magicians to signal the sudden completion of a trick, or a musical direction meaning very fast, lively.
Used more generally to indicate something happening suddenly, quickly, or with dramatic effect. Can also describe something accomplished with great speed or flair.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly more likely to be used humorously or ironically in UK English.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of theatricality, suddenness, and showmanship. In music, it is a standard, neutral Italian tempo marking.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects outside of technical music contexts. The interjectional use is universally recognized from pop culture depictions of magicians.
Grammar
How to Use “presto” in a Sentence
Used as a lone interjection: 'Presto!'. Used adverbially in music: 'Play this presto'. Used adjectivally: 'a presto finale'.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “presto” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The violins must play this passage presto.
- He took the repeat presto, as instructed.
American English
- The direction simply says 'presto'.
- You need to move your fingers presto here.
adjective
British English
- The symphony's final movement is marked presto.
- She played the presto section with incredible energy.
American English
- The piece has a challenging presto conclusion.
- He struggled with the presto tempo in his audition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used humorously to present a solution or result: 'We analyzed the data and, hey presto, found the issue.'
Academic
Virtually unused except in musicology papers discussing tempo.
Everyday
Used informally, often humorously or for emphasis when something happens surprisingly fast or easily: 'I added yeast, waited, and hey presto—bread!'
Technical
Standard term in musical notation for a very fast tempo. Also a recognized command in some computing contexts (e.g., 'Presto' was a browser engine).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “presto”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “presto”
- Using 'presto' as a standard synonym for 'fast' in normal prose (e.g., 'He ran presto'). Overusing it outside of ironic or magical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a real English word borrowed from Italian. Its primary formal use is in music as a tempo marking. The magician's use is an informal, interjectional adoption of the word.
'Presto!' is the magician's exclamation. 'Hey presto' is a more general, often British-leaning, phrase used in narration or speech to comment on something happening suddenly and satisfactorily.
Generally, no. Using 'presto' as a synonym for 'quickly' outside of music or a deliberate magical/ironic reference will sound odd and non-native. Use 'quickly', 'rapidly', or 'swiftly' instead.
It is borrowed directly from Italian, where 'presto' means 'quick, ready'. It entered English in the musical context in the late 16th century.
An exclamation used by magicians to signal the sudden completion of a trick, or a musical direction meaning very fast, lively.
Presto is usually informal, specialized (music/magic), occasionally formal in music notation. in register.
Presto: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɛstəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɛstoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hey presto”
- “presto chango”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a magician saying 'PRESTO!' as he PRESents something TO you suddenly.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED IS THEATRICALITY / SUDDENNESS IS MAGIC.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'presto' used as a standard, non-humorous technical term?