fortissimo
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /fɔːrˈtɪsɪmoʊ/
KK: /fɔrˈtɪsɪmoʊ/
adjective
Definition
A term used in music to indicate that a passage should be played very loudly.
Example
The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the final movement fortissimo to create a dramatic effect.
Conversation
Did you hear that band last night?
Yeah, they played so fortissimo!
I know, right? It was hard to even talk to each other.
Exactly! But it was such an amazing energy.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
loud
boisterous
thundering
Antonyms
soft
quiet
muted
adverb
Definition
In a very loud way, often used in music to indicate that a passage should be played with great volume.
Example
The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the final movement fortissimo to create a dramatic effect.
Conversation
Did you hear the way the orchestra played that last piece?
Yes, they performed it fortissimo and it was amazing!
I know, right? It really made the whole concert unforgettable.
noun
Definition
A musical term that means to play or sing very loudly.
Example
The conductor asked the orchestra to play the final piece fortissimo to create a dramatic effect.
Conversation
Did you hear that last song? The part where they played fortissimo was incredible!
I know, right? It really made the whole performance stand out.
Exactly! It felt like the music was alive during that fortissimo section.
Root Explanation
Fortissimo → It is formed from "fortis" (meaning strong) and the superlative suffix "-issimo" (meaning very or most). The word "fortissimo" means very strong, particularly in the context of music, indicating a loud volume.
Memory Tip
Think of 'fortis' meaning strong, and remember that 'fortissimo' means very strong in sound, especially in music.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.