legato etymology

Etymology:

  • Italian, "legare," meaning "to bind, tie, or connect"

Meaning and Origin:

In Music:

In music, legato refers to a smooth and connected playing technique, where notes are played without noticeable gaps between them. This technique is used to create a flowing and expressive melodic line. Legato is typically employed using techniques such as finger slurring on stringed instruments or using the breath to connect notes on wind instruments.

In Other Contexts:

Beyond music, the term "legato" has also been used in various other contexts:

  • Literature: In poetry, legato can describe the smooth and continuous flow of verse or lines, creating a sense of unity within a poem.
  • Art: In painting, legato can refer to a flowing and seamless transition between different colors or brushstrokes, creating a harmonious and cohesive composition.
  • Linguistics: In linguistics, legato can describe the smooth and continuous pronunciation of a group of words or sounds, without noticeable pauses or interruptions.

Use in Music and Related Terms:

In musical contexts, legato is often used in conjunction with other terms to describe specific techniques:

  • Legato bowing: In stringed instruments, this refers to the technique of smoothly transitioning between notes without lifting the bow off the strings.
  • Legato articulation: In woodwinds, such as clarinets or flutes, legato articulation involves using the breath to smoothly connect notes without tonguing or articulating each note individually.
  • Legato pedaling: In piano playing, legato pedaling involves using the sustain pedal to extend the resonance of notes, creating a smooth and connected sound.

legato relate terms

  • staccato

    Etymology Staccato comes from the Italian word staccare which means to detach Mean

  • legato

    Etymology Italian legare meaning to bind tie or connect Meaning and Origin

  • detach

    Etymology Old French destachier Late Latin distaccare Medieval Latin dis taccar

  • alloy

    Etymology and Meaning The word alloy comes from the Old French word aloyer which me

  • ally

    Etymology The word ally derives from the Middle French word alié which is itself a

  • colligate

    Etymology Latin collega colleague Latin legare to tie bind Meaning Collig

  • deligate

    Etymology The word delegate is derived from the Latin verb delegare which means to

  • furl

    Etymology The word furl comes from the Middle Dutch word vorlen meaning to fold up

  • league

    Etymology The word league has its origins in the 14th century Middle French word ligue

  • legato

    Etymology Italian legare meaning to bind tie or connect Meaning and Origin

  • liable

    Etymology The word liable comes from the Middle English word liable which originate

  • liaison

    Etymology and Meaning liaison noun French liaison Latin ligāre to bind to

  • lien

    Etymology The word lien is derived from the French word lien which in turn comes fro

  • lictor

    Etymology The word lictor is derived from the Latin word ligare meaning to bind

  • ligand

    Etymology Latin ligare to bind French ligand binding agent Meaning and Orig

  • ligament

    Etymology Latin ligamentum binding band Proto Indo European leig to bind Mean

  • ligate

    Etymology Latin ligare to bind tie Proto Indo European leig to bind Mean

  • ligation

    Etymology Latin ligāre to bind tie up Proto Indo European leg to bind M

  • ligature

    Etymology The word ligature comes from the Latin word ligare meaning to bind toget

  • oblige

    Etymology The word oblige comes from the Latin word obligare which means to bind

  • rally

    Etymology The word rally comes from the Old French word rallier which means to gath

  • religion

    Etymology The word religion is derived from the Latin word religio which means rev

  • rely

    Etymology Old French relier to bind attach Latin religare to bind together tie u

  • smooth

    Etymology The word smooth is derived from the Middle English word smoþe which in tu

  • shibboleth

  • epiphany

    Etymology From Late Latin epiphania from Greek ἐπιφάνεια epiphaneia meani

  • gospel

    Etymology and Origin The term gospel comes from the Old English word godspel which

  • profit

    Etymology The word profit comes from the Latin word profectus meaning progress or

  • cardinal

    Etymology The word cardinal comes from the Latin word cardinalis meaning chief or

  • cultivate

    Etymology Latin colere to tend cultivate Old French cultiver Middle English cul

  • history

    Etymology Greek ἱστορία historia inquiry knowledge acquired by investigati

  • state

    Etymology The word state comes from the Latin word status which means condition or

  • bank

    Etymology The word bank has its origins in the Italian word banco which means benc