Meaning & use
mezza
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a nounmusic
In music, half; used in directions to indicate a moderate or half volume, as in 'mezza voce'.
Grammar: Used before a noun in musical directions: 'mezza voce', 'mezza forza'.
Patterns
- mezza voce
- mezza forza
The singer performed the passage mezza voce to create a gentle effect.
The conductor asked for mezza forza in the strings.
nouncountableinformal
A half portion, especially in Italian cooking or as a short form for a half bottle of wine.
Grammar: Countable; often used in Italian restaurants: 'a mezza of Chianti'.
Patterns
- a mezza of something
We ordered a mezza of the house red to share.
The menu offers mezza portions for smaller appetites.
Common combinations
- mezza voce
- She sang the lullaby mezza voce.
- mezza forza
- The passage is marked mezza forza.
- mezza porzione
- He asked for a mezza porzione of pasta.
Synonyms and how they differ
- half
- The general English word; 'mezza' is only used in Italian musical or culinary contexts.
Commonly confused: mezza or mezzanine? mezza or mezzo?
mezza vs mezzanine
Refers to an intermediate floor in a building; not related to the musical term.
mezza vs mezzo
Means 'middle' or 'medium' in music (e.g., mezzo-soprano); 'mezza' is the feminine form meaning 'half'.
Practice
The composer wrote 'mezza voce' to indicate that the singer should perform ___.
Choose one answer.
'Mezza voce' literally means 'half voice', so the correct answer is 'with half voice'. The other options describe different vocal volumes not indicated by this term.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “mezza”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.