presto
presto Lexical Profile
presto Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
Suddenly, instantaneously, or right away, as if by magic.
"Just add hot water, stir for ten seconds, and presto, your soup is ready."
In music, at a very fast tempo (typically between 168 and 200 beats per minute).
"The conductor signaled for the orchestra to play the coda presto."
• interjection
Used by conjurers or speakers to announce the instantaneous completion of a trick, transformation, or effortless action.
"She waved the wand over the empty hat and cried, "Presto!" as a white dove appeared."
• adjective
In music, performed at a very fast tempo, faster than allegro.
"The violinist navigated the presto final movement with remarkable precision."
• noun
A musical passage, movement, or composition played at a very fast tempo.
"The pianist practiced the challenging presto at the end of the sonata for hours."
• Rhymes for presto
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Italian presto ('quick, quickly'), ultimately from Late Latin praestus ('ready, at hand'). It was first adopted in English as a stage magician's exclamation before becoming a standard musical tempo marking in the 18th century.