piano

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
  2. noun (music) low loudness
  3. adjective used chiefly as a direction or description in music

Etymology

Clipping of pianoforte, from Italian pianoforte, from piano (“soft”) + forte (“strong”). So named because it could produce a wide range of varied volumes note-by-note, in contrast to older keyboard instruments, notably the harpsichord. Doublet of llano, plain, and plane.

In classic literature

Synonyms

pianoforte, forte-piano

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