What is staccato meaning?

Staccato is a musical term that indicates short, precise and separated notes to be played or sung. It is marked over or under a note with a dot, and indicates that the note should be played quickly and cleanly, with a brief pause or silence between each note. The word staccato is derived from the Italian word ‘staccare’ which means to detach or separate. The opposite of staccato is legato, which means playing the notes smoothly and connected. Staccato is commonly used in many musical genres, including classical, jazz, and pop, and is often employed to create a rhythmic effect or to emphasize a particular melody or phrase. It is also used in vocal music, where it can add a sense of urgency or emphasis to the lyrics.