allegre

Allegre is the feminine plural form of the Italian adjective allegro, meaning cheerful or lively. In Italian grammar, allegro is the masculine singular; allegra is the feminine singular; allegri is the masculine plural; and allegre is the feminine plural. The form allegre describes multiple feminine nouns, as in “persone allegre” (cheerful people) or “note allegre” (cheerful notes). While common in everyday language and literary usage, allegre is not a standard tempo marking in music; the typical tempo designation is allegro.

Etymology and uses: The Italian adjective allegro derives from Latin alacer, meaning lively, and entered Italian with that sense of liveliness. The meaning of cheerful or lively has remained consistent, and allegre frequently conveys mood or character rather than a specific musical tempo.

Other uses: Allegre also occurs as a surname and, less commonly, as a toponym in Romance-language regions. In onomastics and toponymy, such uses often reflect historical associations with cheerfulness, festivity, or the pleasant character of places or families. Related terms include allegria (joy, cheerfulness) and allegri (the plural form or a surname).