Tempo — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈtem-(ˌ)pō/ tem·po

Meaning & Definition of Tempo

Tempo (noun)

  1. the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (such as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking
  2. rate of motion or activity, pace

Tempo (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in pace, rate

    similar: clip, gait, pace, rate, celerity, fastness, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, rapidness, speed, speediness, swiftness, velocity, drive, hustle, acceleration, hastiness, precipitation, precipitousness, rush, alacrity, dispatch, expedition, expeditiousness, promptitude, promptness, warp speed
    opposite: slowness, sluggishness, languidness, languor, leisureliness, lethargy, torpidity, torpor, reluctance, deliberateness, deliberation, dilatoriness, lateness, pokiness, procrastination

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Tempo

The most common words with a similar meaning to Tempo:

clip, gait, pace, rate, celerity, fastness, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, rapidness, speed, speediness, swiftness, velocity, drive, hustle, acceleration, hastiness, precipitation, precipitousness, rush, alacrity, dispatch, expedition, expeditiousness, promptitude, promptness, warp speed

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Tempo

Words with the opposite meaning of Tempo:

slowness, sluggishness, languidness, languor, leisureliness, lethargy, torpidity, torpor, reluctance, deliberateness, deliberation, dilatoriness, lateness, pokiness, procrastination

Word Forms of Tempo

Inflections: tempi, tempos

Origin & Etymology of Tempo

borrowed from Italian, "time, rate of speed (in music)," going back to Latin tempor-, tempus "time, period of time, season," of uncertain origin

First known use: circa 1724

Words & Phrases Containing Tempo

a tempo, up-tempo

Frequently Asked Questions about Tempo

What does "Tempo" mean?

"Tempo" means the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (such as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking. As a noun, it is defined as: the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (such as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking.

What is another word for "Tempo"?

Other words for "Tempo" include clip, gait, pace, rate, celerity, fastness, fleetness and haste. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Tempo" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Tempo"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Tempo". Common alternatives include clip, gait, pace, rate, celerity, fastness, fleetness, haste, hurry and quickness.

What is the opposite of "Tempo"?

Antonyms of "Tempo" include slowness, sluggishness, languidness, languor, leisureliness, lethargy, torpidity and torpor.

Is "Tempo" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Tempo" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Tempo"?

"Tempo" is pronounced /ˈtem-(ˌ)pō/ and divided into syllables as tem·po.

What is the origin of the word "Tempo"?

"Tempo" comes from borrowed from Italian, "time, rate of speed (in music)," going back to Latin tempor-, tempus "time, period of time, season," of uncertain origin. First known use: circa 1724.

What is another word for "Tempo" meaning "as in pace, rate"?

When "Tempo" (noun) means as in pace, rate, synonyms include clip, gait, pace, rate, celerity and fastness. Opposites in this sense include slowness, sluggishness, languidness and languor.