subito

[ soo-bi-toh; Italian soo-bee-taw ]

adverb

1. (as a musical direction) suddenly; abruptly:

   subito pianissimo.

subito

/ ˈsuːbɪˌtəʊ /

adverb

1. music (preceding or following a dynamic marking, etc) suddenly; immediately sub

Word History and Origins

Origin of subito¹

First recorded in 1715–25; from Italian, from Latin subitō originally, ablative singular neuter of subitus “sudden,” equivalent to sub- sub- + -i- (base of īre “to go”) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of subito¹

C18: via Italian from Latin: suddenly, from subitus sudden, from subīre to approach, from sub- (indicating stealth) + īre to go

Example Sentences

Rubato in the 13th Variation and subito piano effects in the 12th gave shape to quick figures that might otherwise pass mechanically.

From New York Times

Admirers of Benedict in the square ignored instructions in multiple languages to “refrain from raising banners or raising flags,” and lifted a large white sheet reading “Santo Subito” — “Sainthood Now.”

From New York Times

Ignoring exhortations for decorum at the end, some in the crowd held banners or shouted “Santo Subito!”

From Washington Times

Un líder marxista, hijo de la pobreza, amigo de sus amigos y enemigo del trabajo, de súbito se convierte en millonario.

From Los Angeles Times

Un líder marxista, hijo de la pobreza, amigo de sus amigos y enemigo del trabajo, de súbito se convierte en millonario.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• carelessly
• hurriedly
• nimbly
• prematurely
• promptly
• quickly
• speedily
• suddenly
• swiftly