sotto voce

American  

[sawt-taw vaw-che, sot-oh voh-chee] / ˈsɔt tɔ ˈvɔ tʃɛ, ˈsɒt oʊ ˈvoʊ tʃi /

adverb

1. in a low, soft voice so as not to be overheard.

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sotto voce British  

/ ˈsɒtəʊ ˈvəʊtʃɪ /

adverb

1. in an undertone

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Etymology

Origin of sotto voce

First recorded in 1730–40; from Italian adverb sottovoce, “in a low voice,” from sotto “under” + voce “voice” ( voice ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

John: sotto voce, just barely in range: “In the army, perhaps.”

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

But instead, the trip is taking place sotto voce.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2024

“Hi, Baby Cakes,” she said to the chihuahua/miniature pinscher mix, adding in sotto voce, “He is one of a bonded trio.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 28, 2021

Here, Bettany leaned into his camera and replied, sotto voce: “It was her snot. Anyway.”

From New York Times • Jan. 8, 2021

Root, according to a witness, leaned toward friends and suggested sotto voce that they all cut away for cocktails.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson