What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tenuto
Example
The pianist played the tenuto notes with great care. [tenuto: adjective]
Example
The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the passage tenuto. [tenuto: adverb]
sustained
Example
The violinist played the sustained note with perfect intonation. [sustained: adjective]
Example
The singer sustained the high note for an impressive length of time. [sustained: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sustained is more commonly used than tenuto in everyday language. Sustained is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tenuto is less common and primarily used in musical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tenuto and sustained?
Both tenuto and sustained are formal words that are primarily used in musical contexts. However, sustained is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
