Soft Pedal

Pronunciation: /sɔft ˈpɛdəl/

Definitions of soft pedal

noun a foot-operated lever on a piano or organ that softens the sound by reducing the striking force of the hammers

Example Sentences

A1 I gently pressed the soft pedal on the piano.

A2 When playing the piano, remember to use the soft pedal for a quieter sound.

B1 The pianist used the soft pedal to create a more mellow tone.

B2 The musician skillfully manipulated the soft pedal to enhance the emotional depth of the piece.

C1 The pianist's mastery of the soft pedal added a subtle nuance to the performance.

C2 The virtuoso pianist effortlessly controlled the soft pedal to create a mesmerizing musical experience.

Examples of soft pedal in a Sentence

formal In order to produce a more delicate sound, pianists often use the soft pedal.

informal Hey, could you press the soft pedal on the piano so it's not so loud?

slang I always hit the soft pedal when I don't want my playing to be too intense.

figurative Sometimes in a heated discussion, it's best to use the soft pedal and avoid escalating the situation further.

Grammatical Forms of soft pedal

• past tense: soft-pedaled
• plural: soft pedals
• comparative: softer pedal
• superlative: softest pedal
• present tense: soft pedal
• future tense: will soft pedal
• perfect tense: have soft pedaled
• continuous tense: is soft pedaling
• singular: soft pedal
• positive degree: soft pedal
• infinitive: to soft pedal
• gerund: soft pedaling
• participle: soft-pedaling

Origin and Evolution of soft pedal

First Known Use: 1794 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'soft pedal' originated from the world of music, specifically referring to the leftmost pedal on a piano that lowers the volume and softens the sound of the instrument.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of pianos, 'soft pedal' has evolved to be used metaphorically in everyday language to describe a less forceful or direct approach to a situation.