Definition

1. Adverb:

   • At a very fast tempo (faster than allegro): Used as a musical direction to indicate that a passage should be played very quickly.
   • Suddenly, quickly: Used to indicate that something happens or is done with great speed, often in a surprising or magical way.

2. Adjective:

   • (Of tempo) very fast: Describes a piece of music or a section of music that is to be performed at a very rapid speed.

3. Interjection:

   • A word spoken to command or signal a quick, often magical, change or result: Traditionally used by magicians when performing a trick.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (Musical):

  • The final movement should be played presto.
  • The pianist executed the presto section with incredible skill.

• Adverb (General):

  • He waved his wand and, presto, the rabbit disappeared.
  • Just add water, stir, and presto—you have instant soup.

• Adjective:

  • The symphony's presto finale was exhilarating.
  • She struggled with the presto tempo of the étude.

• Interjection:

  • The magician shouted, "Presto!" and pulled a dove from his empty hat.

Advanced Usage

• "Hey presto": An interjection used, especially in British English, to call attention to a quick and surprising result, much like a magician's command.
  • You press this button, and hey presto, the lights come on.

Variants and Related Words

• Prestissimo (adverb/adjective): A musical direction meaning "at a very fast tempo; faster than presto." This is a distinct, more extreme term, not a variant of "presto" itself.

Synonyms

• Adverb/Adjective (Musical): Very fast, rapid, quick.
• Adverb (General): Suddenly, instantly, immediately, abracadabra (in a magical context).

Related Phrases

• As an exclamation in magic: The word is often used alone or in the phrase "hey presto" to create a sense of instant transformation, closely associated with stage magic and illusion.

Adjective

1. (of tempo) very fast

Adverb

1. at a very fast tempo (faster than allegro)
2. suddenly
   • Presto! begone! 'tis here again- Swift