fortissimo

[ fawr-tis-uh-moh; Italian fawr-tees-see-maw ]

adjective

1. (a direction) very loud.

adverb

1. (a direction) very loudly.

fortissimo

/ fɔːˈtɪsɪˌməʊ /

adjective

1. very loud ff

noun

1. a very loud passage in music

fortissimo

1. A musical direction meaning “to be performed very loudly”; the opposite of pianissimo .

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortissimo¹

1715–25; < Italian; superlative of forte forte ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortissimo¹

C18: from Italian, from Latin fortissimus , from fortis strong

Example Sentences

When the 48-year-old conductor leans forward to extend his arms and emphasize vibrato or stretches high for a fortissimo during an orchestra concert, the red soles of his patent leather Christian Louboutins become visible.

From Seattle Times

On Thursday, the orchestra showed off the clarity of fortissimo passages, layering percussion, brass and strings in handsome tiers.

From New York Times

Wang is nimble at that alternation, with power and accuracy in fast fingerwork and fortissimo chords — and, just as important, patience and elegance in cooler moments.

From New York Times

“Some players go for it and some… I really had to say, ‘No that fortissimo isn’t enough.’

From Seattle Times

The orchestra crests and retreats under a unified front of female voices with a fortissimo, accented “I am strong.”

From New York Times