Adagio – Very slow

(Pronounced uh-dah-zhee-oh)

To remember what adagio means, use the following mnemonic:

The adder, she goes (adagio) very slowly so we have to wait for her.

Adagio is even slower than lento.

Examples of adagio in a sentence

She played it as adagio throughout, bringing a dreamy, almost surreal aspect to what has traditionally been a more vibrant violin solo.

First, she skipped quickly and lightly through the piece; for contrast, she then played it adagio, more contemplatively, slowing the pace, delighting the audience.

There are two adagio sections in the third movement; their slow pace and bleak notes tug at the audience's heartstrings.