Definition

Adverb: - In a soft, low voice; in an undertone: Speaking in a manner that is deliberately quiet, often to avoid being overheard or to create a sense of confidentiality or intimacy.

Usage

The adverb sotto voce is used to describe speech that is deliberately hushed or murmured. It is often employed in contexts where a speaker wishes to make a comment, aside, or remark privately, without drawing the full attention of everyone present. It can imply secrecy, confidentiality, or a personal aside.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • During the lecture, she made a critical comment sotto voce to her friend.
  • "I don't trust him," he added sotto voce, leaning in closer.
  • The actor delivered the line sotto voce, creating a moment of intense intimacy with the audience.

Advanced Usage

• As a stylistic device: In literature and drama, a sotto voce remark is often used to convey a character's private thoughts, sarcasm, or a comment not intended for all characters on stage or in the scene.
  • The narrator's sotto voce asides gave the audience insight into the protagonist's true feelings.

Variants and Related Words

• Undertone (n.): A subdued or muted tone of sound or color; an underlying quality or feeling.
  • There was an undertone of anxiety in her cheerful voice.
• Murmur (v./n.): To speak or make a sound in a low, soft, and indistinct voice.
  • He could hear the murmur of conversation from the next room.

Synonyms

• In a whisper
• In a low voice
• Under one's breath
• Quietly

Related Idioms and Phrases

• In an undertone: This is a direct synonym and can often be used interchangeably with sotto voce.
  • She said it in an undertone, hoping no one else would hear.

Adverb

1. in an undertone
   • he uttered a curse sotto voce