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

See Examples For:

sotto voce

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

“We’re all alone here,” he says, sotto voce.

From New York Times ● Jul. 6, 2023

But until fairly recently, the symptoms of this physical experience have been cloaked in banal terms, uttered sotto voce if at all.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2022

“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