prestissimo
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //prɛˈstɪsɪmoʊ//
KK: /prɛˈstɪsɪmoʊ/
adjective
Definition
A term used in music to indicate that a piece should be played very quickly.
Example
The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the final movement prestissimo for a thrilling finish.
Conversation
Have you heard that new song?
Yes, it's played at such a prestissimo tempo!
I know, right? It really gets you moving.
Totally! I can't help but dance whenever it comes on.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rapid
swift
quick
Antonyms
slow
lethargic
sluggish
adverb
Definition
In music, this term means to play or perform as quickly as possible.
Example
The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the final movement prestissimo for a thrilling finish.
Conversation
Did you hear that new piece they played at the concert last night?
Yes! The conductor said it was supposed to be played prestissimo.
I can't believe how fast they performed it, it was incredible!
noun
Definition
A very fast tempo in music, faster than allegro.
Example
The orchestra played the final movement prestissimo, leaving the audience in awe.
Conversation
Did you hear that new piece by the orchestra?
Yeah, it had a really exciting prestissimo section.
I loved how fast it was; it really got my heart racing!
Root Explanation
Prestissimo → It is formed from "presto" (from Italian, meaning quickly or swiftly) and the suffix "-issimo" (meaning very or extremely). The word "prestissimo" means to perform a piece of music extremely quickly.
Memory Tip
Think of 'presto' meaning quickly, and '-issimo' meaning very — so prestissimo means to play very quickly.
Visually Confused Words
priestism