Tempo Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

1

plural

tempos

also

tempi

/ˈtɛmpi/

:

the speed at which a musical piece is played or sung

[count]

• The song has a slow/fast/upbeat tempo.

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[noncount]

• The composition has many changes of tempo.

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— compare rhythm; see also up-tempo

2

plural

tempos

:

the speed at which something moves or happens

:

pace

[count]

• We walked at a fast tempo.
• The tempo of the game slowed down.

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[noncount]

• The dance starts out fast and then switches tempo.

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