uptempo
uptempo Lexical Profile
uptempo Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Played or performed at a fast, lively, or energetic musical beat.
"The band opened the concert with an uptempo dance number that got the entire crowd on its feet."
Characterized by a rapid, vigorous, or high-energy pace of activity, especially in sports.
"The basketball coach implemented an uptempo offense designed to tire out the opposing defenders."
• adverb
At a fast, lively, or increased musical tempo or pace.
"The jazz quartet played the traditional ballad uptempo to give the arrangement a modern feel."
• noun
A fast, lively musical tempo, or a composition played at such a pace.
"The singer's new album balances emotional ballads with a few catchy uptempos."
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in mid-20th-century American jazz parlance by combining the prefix 'up-' with 'tempo' (from Italian tempo, derived from Latin tempus, meaning 'time').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.