Assai
Very or quite — a modifier that intensifies the tempo or expression marking it accompanies
Category
modifier
Pronunciation
ahs-SAH-ee
Origin
Italian
Length
79 words · 1 min read
About Assai
Assai strengthens whatever marking it modifies: allegro assai means very fast, adagio assai means very slow. It sits between molto (very much) and poco (a little) in intensity.
More modifier terms
Troppo
View all modifierterms →Too much — used with non to mean not too much, moderating another musical instruction
PocoA little; slightly — used to qualify other musical directions
MaBut — introduces a contrasting or limiting qualification
Poco a pocoLittle by little — a gradual, incremental change applied to any musical direction
PiùMore — intensifies the direction it accompanies
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →