pianissimo

American  

[pee-uh-nis-uh-moh, pyah-nees-see-maw] / ˌpi əˈnɪs əˌmoʊ, pyɑˈnis siˌmɔ /

adjective

1. very soft.

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adverb

1. very softly.

noun

plural

pianissimos

1. a passage or movement played in this way.

pianissimo British  

/ pɪəˈnɪsɪˌməʊ /

adjective

1.  pp.  music (to be performed) very quietly

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pianissimo Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of pianissimo

1715–25; < Italian, superlative of piano piano ²

Example Sentences

I told them, ‘Is there a way we can find space for rubato, pianissimo, glissando — all of that — so we can really play in the music?’

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2025

Then in that first sort of chorus, where it’s quieter, more pianissimo, “I’m defying gravity. I think it’s time to defy gravity,” she’s not quite sure.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2024

Schiff, as in his touch at a keyboard, relished the extremes of Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony — the opening truly pianissimo, the forzando notes truly explosive.

From New York Times • Apr. 16, 2023

Ms. Freni had the ability to project even the softest pianissimo passages across a stage.

From Washington Post • Feb. 9, 2020

He was still singing—“Not much money, Oh! but honey”—fixing his cufflinks, parting his hair; but then he looked up and saw his sister—“Ain’t we got”—and pianissimo now—“fun”—fell silent.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides