Which term means Less motion; slower?

Which term means Less motion; slower?

• A. meno mosso
• B. moderato
• C. molto
• D. octave sign

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is how tempo markings guide speed. “Less motion” is the clearest way to tell a performer to slow down relative to what came before. In Italian, meno mosso literally means “less movement,” so it functions as a deceleration cue. Other terms aren’t about slowing down in this sense. Moderato designates a moderate, steady speed—neither fast nor slow by itself. Molto means “very” and is used as an intensifier with another tempo marking (like molto allegro); it doesn’t indicate slowing down on its own. An octave sign simply tells you to play notes an octave higher or lower, not anything about tempo.

The key idea here is how tempo markings guide speed. “Less motion” is the clearest way to tell a performer to slow down relative to what came before. In Italian, meno mosso literally means “less movement,” so it functions as a deceleration cue.

Other terms aren’t about slowing down in this sense. Moderato designates a moderate, steady speed—neither fast nor slow by itself. Molto means “very” and is used as an intensifier with another tempo marking (like molto allegro); it doesn’t indicate slowing down on its own. An octave sign simply tells you to play notes an octave higher or lower, not anything about tempo.