Pianissimo - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT pianissimo /ˌˈpiəˌnɪsəˈmoʊ/ IPA guide

Other forms: pianissimos

When a musician performs something pianissimo, she plays very softly. If you're playing a pianissimo piece on the piano, your fingers will be gentle on the keys.

You can use this word as an adverb or an adjective — in either case, it's a specific musical direction regarding the dynamics (or loudness) of a piece of music. On sheet music, pianissimo is often marked pp, to distinguish it from piano, which is simply "soft," rather than "very soft," and is usually marked with one p. There is, in fact, an even quieter designation called pianississimo, that's "very very soft."

Definitions of pianissimo

adverb a direction in music; to be played very softly synonyms: very softly see moresee less antonyms: fortissimo a direction in music; to be played very loudly
adjective chiefly a direction or description in music; very soft synonyms: piano, soft used chiefly as a direction or description in music
noun (music) low loudness synonyms: piano see moresee less type of: softness a sound property that is free from loudness or stridency

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Vocabulary lists containing pianissimo

Music - Middle School

Review this list and your music vocabulary will be pitch perfect. You'll learn about musical notation, genres of music, different types of instruments, and much more. Master these words and you won't miss a beat!

Music - High School

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