Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

pianissimo

/ˌpi.əˈnɪsɪmoʊ/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.96 in modern English

Syllables: pi-anis-si-mo
IPA: /ˌpi.əˈnɪsɪmoʊ/

14

Scrabble Score

10

Letters

4

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

adv

Indicating that the piece is to be played very softly.

noun

A dynamic sign indicating that a portion of music should be played pianissimo.

noun

A portion of music that is played very softly.

Example Sentences

"If the Randall Thompson Alleluia lacked the otherworldly awe and mystery the composer intended, the BGMC offered a fair accounting of the work with some wonderfully hushed pianissimos and clearly delineated contrasts in mood."

Etymology

Etymology tree Italian piano Italian -issimo Italian pianissimobor. English pianissimo Borrowed from Italian pianissimo.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˌpi.əˈnɪsɪmoʊ/
British English: /ˌpi.əˈnɪsɪməʊ/

Inflected Forms

more pianissimo (comparative) most pianissimo (superlative) pianissimos (plural) pianissimi (plural)

Derived Forms

pianississimo

Synonyms

pp very softly piano

Rhymes With

fortissimo bravissimo

Questions

How do you pronounce pianissimo?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˌpi.əˈnɪsɪmoʊ/.
What does pianissimo mean?: Indicating that the piece is to be played very softly.
Where does pianissimo come from?: Etymology tree Italian piano Italian -issimo Italian pianissimobor. English pianissimo Borrowed from Italian pianissimo.

How to pronounce pianissimo

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “pianissimo”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˌpi.əˈnɪsɪmoʊ/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “pianissimo”.
Repeat and practice — Say “pianissimo” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.