Definition

1. Noun:
   • The rate or speed of a repeated activity or process: "Tempo" refers to the pace at which a recurring event or action happens.
   • (Music) The speed at which a piece of music is performed: In music, "tempo" specifically indicates how fast or slow a composition should be played.

Usage and Examples

• General Rate/Speed:
  • The tempo of life in a big city is very fast.
  • We need to increase the tempo of production to meet the deadline.
• Musical Speed:
  • The conductor set a lively tempo for the symphony.
  • This piece should be played at a slow, mournful tempo.

Advanced Usage

• "To keep tempo (with)": To maintain the same pace or rhythm as something else.
  • The drummer kept perfect tempo with the bass player.
• "To set the tempo": To establish the pace for an activity.
  • The lead runner set a brutal tempo for the first mile of the race.

Variants and Related Words

• Temporal (adj): Relating to time.
  • We are studying temporal changes in the climate.
• Temporize (verb): To avoid making a decision in order to gain time.
  • He chose to temporize rather than give a direct answer.

Synonyms

• Pace: The speed of movement or activity.
• Rate: A measure of the speed at which something happens.
• Cadence: The flow or rhythm of events or language; in music, a sequence of notes or chords.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Change of tempo": A shift in pace or speed.
  • The second half of the game saw a complete change of tempo.
• "At a brisk tempo": At a quick, lively pace.
  • The meeting proceeded at a brisk tempo.

Noun

1. the rate of some repeating event
2. (music) the speed at which a composition is to be played