adverb / adjective / noun
pianissimo
pee-uh-NIS-ih-moh/ˌpiːəˈnɪsɪməʊ/
A very soft level of sound in musical performance.
The pianist plays pianissimo, touching the keys delicately for a very soft sound.
Etymology
The root's meaning shifted from 'flat, smooth' to 'soft.' The superlative ending intensifies that softness into a musical instruction to play with very little force or loudness.
More examples
- The choir maintains a steady pianissimo throughout the final verse.
- A pianissimo passage follows the loud opening.
- Even when you play pianissimo, keep every note clear.
Forms
pianissimo · pianissimos · pianissimi
Similar words
- piano
- Calls for soft playing, but not as soft as pianissimo.
- softly
- Describes low volume generally, without specifying a musical dynamic.