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

Seated next to him at a public hearing, you were in constant danger of laughing out loud at his sotto voce commentaries.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2023

The result has been a more dynamic broadcast that has captured sotto voce moments among members not typically witnessed by the general public — and some have gone viral online.

From New York Times ● Jan. 6, 2023

“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