The Italian roots of the word 'staccato'

'Staccato' is a word borrowed from Italian 'staccato'. The word entered the English language some time around 1724.

staccato [adjective] [circa 1724]

• cut short or apart in performing
• disconnected
• marked by short clear-cut playing or singing of tones or chords
• abrupt

Meaning: cut short or apart in performing : disconnected staccato notes; marked by short clear-cut playing or singing of tones or chords a staccato style; abrupt disjointed staccato screams.

Etymology: Italian; from past participle of staccare to detach; from s- ex- (from Latin ex- ) + at taccare to attack; attach; perhaps from Old French estachier attach.

Topics: Arts:Music.

Origin: From Italian to English.

See 'staccato' on the Loan Words Map

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See more loan words from 1700s.