What does tempo mean?
Tempo is the speed at which something happens, especially a piece of music or an organized activity. In musical contexts, it describes not merely how quickly a composition is played but also its rhythmic character: a largo has a broad, slow tempo, while an allegro is brisk and lively. Outside music, the word is used for the pace of a game, a conversation, a journey, a process, or a narrative, often with the implication that the pace is changing or significant. “Pick up the tempo” means to become faster or more energetic, while “slow the tempo” refers to reducing the rate of activity. The word is also useful when discussing movement and timing more generally, as in “the tempo of daily life.” Although it comes from Italian, tempo is fully naturalized in English and is understood in both British and American usage.
nounThe speed or rate at which an action, process, or piece of music proceeds. In music, it refers especially to the pace and rhythmic character of a composition or performance.
- The speed or rate at which an action or process takes place.
- The pace and rhythmic character of a musical composition or performance.
- The changing pace or momentum of a broader activity or narrative.
"The coach changed the tempo of the match, asking the players to slow down and regain control."
"The negotiations continued at a slower tempo after the first day of talks."
"The orchestra maintained a steady tempo throughout the lively finale."
The plural is used when referring to different speeds, rates, or musical paces.
"The conductor compared tempos from the opening and closing movements."
A conductor may call for a faster tempo, but the word itself began as a musical borrowing from the Italian tempo, meaning “time.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tempo come from?
Tempo was borrowed into English from Italian, where it means “time” and is widely used in musical terminology. Italian tempo ultimately comes from Latin tempus, meaning “time,” the same ancient root behind English words such as temporary, temporal, and contemporary. Its musical use developed through Italian conventions for describing the speed and character of musical performance.
How tempo is actually used
Tempo is neutral in register and common in music, sport, work, and figurative descriptions of pace. It can suggest either a measured rate or, figuratively, the momentum and rhythm of a situation.
Easily confused with tempo
Tempo means the speed or pace of something, whereas temper refers to a person's characteristic disposition or tendency toward anger.