sotto voce
See also: sottovoce
English
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian sotto voce (literally “under [the] voice”).
Adjective
sotto voce (not comparable)
- (of speech, of a voice, etc) In soft tones; quiet.
- 1913, w:D. H. Lawrence, chapter 5, in Sons and Lovers:
- Then a man called for her, and began to make coarse jokes. But Mr. Pappleworth nodded his head in the direction of the boy, and the talk went on sotto voce.
- 1985, Gary Russell, Divided Loyalties, page 38:
- ‘Hello?’ she shouted, but still her voice came out barely louder than a sotto voce whisper.
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- (music) Soft, instruments or voice.
- Synonym: sotto (informal)
Adverb
sotto voce (not comparable)
- (of speech, of a voice, etc) Speaking quietly.
- 1847, Emily Brontë, Jane Eyre:
- "I am not your dear; I cannot lie down. Send me to school soon, Mrs. Reed, for I hate to live here." I will indeed send her to school soon," murmured Mrs. Reed sotto voce; and gathering up her work, she abruptly quitted the apartment.
- 1847, Emily Brontë, Jane Eyre:
- (music) Sung or played softly, instruments or voice.
- Synonym: sotto (informal)
Translations
quietly (of speech)
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