adjective

staccato

/stəˈkɑːtoʊ/ · say it: stuh·KAH·toh

played in short, detached notes

In Arts & Culture

In more detail

1. (adjective, adverb) (music) played with short, separated notes rather than smooth, connected ones

2. (adjective, adverb) (general) made up of short, distinct sounds or movements; not smooth or flowing

Examples

1. The pianist played the passage in a staccato rhythm.
2. She spoke in short, staccato bursts between gasps for breath.

How to use staccato

Staccato is used in music to describe notes played briefly and distinctly, but it also applies more broadly to speech, writing, or movement that is choppy and disconnected rather than smooth. It suggests a series of short, distinct units separated by pauses or gaps, and often implies an abrupt or jerky quality.

Common phrases

staccato rhythm
staccato notes
staccato speech
staccato manner
staccato movements
staccato delivery

Synonyms

jerky · choppy · disjointed · abrupt · clipped

Opposites

legato · smooth · flowing

Word family

staccato (noun - the technique or effect)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use staccato to mean simply 'fast' or 'quick,' but it specifically refers to the separated, distinct quality of sounds or movements rather than their speed alone.

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