a tempo

[ ah-tem-poh; Italian ah-tem-paw ]

adverb

, Music.

1. resuming the speed obtained preceding ritardando or accelerando.

a tempo

/ ɑː ˈtɛmpəʊ /

adjective

1. to the original tempo

noun

1. a passage thus marked

Word History and Origins

Origin of a tempo¹

1730–40; < Italian: in (the regular) time

Word History and Origins

Origin of a tempo¹

Italian: in (the original) time

Example Sentences

When a tempo takes off, there’s no sense that the players are flustered or swept away in it.

From New York Times

“So it was a good job of him and those guys. And really being able to execute that many plays and that quick of a tempo to give us an opportunity at the end.’

From Seattle Times

But ultimately it was a tempo they were unable to maintain as Manchester City took advantage of a late wobble to steam past them on the home straight.

From BBC

Rose launched into the vicious opening movement at a tempo a touch more frenetic than on the album, but it was still marvelously controlled.

From New York Times

It pairs the irreverence of Leaders of the New School with the sumptuous physicality of A Tribe Called Quest, all delivered at a tempo that triggers a sense of freedom and release.

From New York Times