sostenuto

sustained; solemn

adjective sohs-teh-NOO-toh Rare

Also means

lofty, elevated (in style)

Usage Note

Sostenuto describes a tone, pace, or manner that is held firm and stately — in music it is a standard tempo direction meaning 'held back.' As a description of a person's manner, it implies a certain dignified aloofness: un tono sostenuto ('a lofty tone'). Be careful not to confuse it with sostenibile ('sustainable').

Examples

"Il discorso aveva un tono sostenuto."

Natural Translation

The speech had a solemn tone.

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