presto

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   Suddenly and as if by magic, used to express surprise at how quickly something happened.

   Grammar: Often used in the phrase 'hey presto' to announce a quick result.

   Patterns

   • hey presto
   • presto change-o

   You just press this button, and hey presto, the machine starts working.

   He waved his hand and, presto, the coin disappeared.

   Add the mixture to the pan, and presto, you have a delicious sauce.

2. 2adverbmusic

   In music, played at a very fast tempo.

   Grammar: Used as a musical direction; often written above the staff.

   Patterns

   • presto
   • presto assai

   The final movement is marked presto, so it should be played very quickly.

   The orchestra played the presto section with great energy.

   The conductor asked for a presto tempo in the last bars.

3. 3adjectivebefore a nounmusic

   In music, describing a passage that is played very fast.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: a presto passage.

   Patterns

   • presto passage
   • presto tempo

   The presto passage requires great technical skill.

   She practiced the presto section until she could play it perfectly.

   The piece ends with a presto finale.

Common combinations

hey presto

You mix the ingredients, put it in the oven, and hey presto, you have a cake.

presto change-o

The magician said 'presto change-o' and pulled a rabbit from his hat.

presto tempo

The conductor set a presto tempo for the final movement.

Synonyms and how they differ

suddenly

More general and neutral; presto adds a magical or surprising effect.

quickly

Simply means fast; presto is used for dramatic effect.

instantly

Means immediately, without delay; presto often implies a magical transformation.

Opposites

Word family

prestissimo adverb

In music, even faster than presto.

Commonly confused: presto or presto?

Practice

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