tempo

[ tem-poh ]

noun

, plural tem·pos, tem·pi [tem, -pee].

1. Music. relative rapidity or rate of movement, usually indicated by such terms as adagio, allegro, etc., or by reference to the metronome.
2. characteristic rate, rhythm, or pattern of work or activity:

   the tempo of city life.

3. Chess. the gaining or losing of time and effectiveness relative to one's continued mobility or developing position, especially with respect to the number of moves required to gain an objective:

   Black gained a tempo.

tempo

/ ˈtɛmpəʊ /

noun

1. the speed at which a piece or passage of music is meant to be played, usually indicated by a musical direction ( tempo marking ) or metronome marking
2. rate or pace

tempo

1. In music, the speed at which a piece is performed. It is the Italian word for “time.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tempo¹

1680–90; < Italian < Latin tempus time

Word History and Origins

Origin of tempo¹

C18: from Italian, from Latin tempus time

Example Sentences

"We spoke about what went well, and to raise our tempo and our level in the second half to break the wall. That's what they did."

From BBC

“In my heart of hearts, my DNA,” Cronin said, “I’m liking to dictate the tempo of the game with my defense.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Northern Irishman said he was "raging" his team had given possession away and cited issues with their tempo.

From BBC

The tourists' spinners were no match for the home tweakers, while England's batters struggled for the right tempo on the Rawalpindi pitch, possibly spooked by all the talk of a raging turner.

From BBC

Lewis commented on his disappointment at players "drifting from the energy and tempo we play at".

From BBC

Related Words

• cadence
• momentum
• pace
• velocity