sotto voce

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

John: sotto voce, just barely in range: “In the army, perhaps.”

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

Though he’s given to explosive bursts of speech, as the character has developed, the humor he plays becomes more subtle and quiet, peppered with muttered comments and sotto voce asides he means to be heard.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 18, 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

Later, Kimberly, sotto voce, told Ifemelu, “Morgan’s really hard on him. He tries so hard and she won’t let him in. She just won’t.”

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie