Pronunciation: [tˈɛmpə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "tempo" is spelled with the letters t, e, m, p, and o. It is pronounced /ˈtɛmpoʊ/ (TEM-poh) in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is stressed, with a short e sound like "bed." The second syllable has a schwa sound like "uh." The final syllable has a long o sound like "go." This word refers to the speed or pace of music, and is commonly used by musicians, conductors, and other music professionals.
Tempo refers to the speed, pace, or rate at which music is played or a movement is executed. It is a fundamental element of music that establishes the rhythm and energy of a composition, guiding the performers and providing a sense of timing and structure.
In music, tempo is typically indicated by terms such as largo (very slow), adagio (slow), andante (walking pace), allegro (fast), or presto (very fast). These notations, often written at the beginning of a piece of music, indicate the desired speed at which the music should be performed. The tempo sets the mood and emotional quality of the piece, influencing its overall character.
Tempo can also be determined by a metronome, which is a device that produces regular ticks or beats at a specific speed. This is particularly useful for ensuring consistent timing and coordination among performers.
In dance, tempo refers to the speed at which movements are executed. Just like in music, tempo influences the style and character of the dance. It provides a framework for dancers to synchronize their movements and interpret the choreography effectively.
Overall, tempo is a crucial aspect of music and dance, shaping the way the art forms are experienced and appreciated. It contributes to the overall aesthetic and emotional impact of a composition or performance.
In music, exact time; the degree of movement.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "tempo" comes from the Italian language. It directly derives from the Latin word "tempus", meaning "time" or "period". In musical terms, "tempo" refers to the speed or pace at which a piece of music is performed. The term has been used in this context since the early 18th century.
