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

Sotto voce and sly-humored, polite and without airs, Mr. Cohen exuded a big-hearted bonhomie for the people and for the places he loyally patronized.

From New York Times • Feb. 10, 2017

Sotto voce, he turned to the young drummer.

From Young Wallingford by Chester, George Randolph

Sotto voce, he said: "A cheeky little cad!"

From Two Knapsacks A Novel of Canadian Summer Life by Campbell, John

Sotto voce he told himself that Cecil had more romance in his nature than he had given him credit for.

From Amusement Only by Marsh, Richard

Sotto voce he remarked to Scraggs: "I see him slippin' a three hundred dollar hawser, eh, Scraggsy, old stick-in-the-mud?"

From Captain Scraggs or, The Green-Pea Pirates by Grant, Gordon