sotto voce

American  

[sawt-taw vaw-che, sot-oh voh-chee] / ˈsɔt tɔ ˈvɔ tʃɛ, ˈsɒt oʊ ˈvoʊ tʃi /

adverb

1. in a low, soft voice so as not to be overheard.

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sotto voce British  

/ ˈsɒtəʊ ˈvəʊtʃɪ /

adverb

1. in an undertone

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Etymology

Origin of sotto voce

First recorded in 1730–40; from Italian adverb sottovoce, “in a low voice,” from sotto “under” + voce “voice” ( see origin at voice ( def. ))

Example Sentences

John: sotto voce, just barely in range: “In the army, perhaps.”

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

But instead, the trip is taking place sotto voce.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2024

But his subsequent sotto voce remark, to the effect that he probably wouldn’t give any of the Manhattan Project scientists clearance under those rules, doesn’t appear anywhere in the 1,011-page hearing transcript.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2023

At each turn, Grandma elbowed me and asked, not sotto voce: “What are they saying?”

From Washington Post • Nov. 5, 2021

“I wouldn’t have your job, Sister, for a thousand a day,” said Beatrice sotto voce to the nurse.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier