noun

breve

BREEV

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Breve (noun) means a curved mark placed above a vowel to show that it is pronounced short. Example: “The dictionary prints a breve over the e to mark the short vowel sound.”

noun

technical A curved mark placed above a vowel to show that it is pronounced short.

"The dictionary prints a breve over the e to mark the short vowel sound."

"Editors add a breve to show an unstressed short syllable in poetry."

technical A musical note that lasts twice as long as a semibreve.

"The breve is rarely seen in modern printed music."

"Early notation used breves to mark very long sustained notes."

A coffee drink made with equal parts espresso and half-and-half cream.

"She ordered a breve instead of her usual latte."

"A breve tastes richer than a regular latte because of the cream."

How to use breve

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA short curved mark, a coffee drink, or an old musical note - all called breve.

When to use it

The printing and music senses are technical, while the coffee sense is everyday café vocabulary.

Memory tip

In the printing and music senses, say it to rhyme with grieve.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

macron

Common pairings

a breve over the vowel order a breve semibreve and breve

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “breve” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The dictionary prints a _____ over the e to mark the short vowel sound.

Etymology

The diacritical mark and the musical note both trace back to Latin brevis, meaning short, passing into English through Old French brieve and Middle English breve. The coffee-drink sense is a separate, later borrowing taken directly from Italian breve.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

View more →

micron

Antonyms

macron

Rhymes for breve

eve neve nieve sieve reeve Steve Maeve cleve sleeve grieve achieve believe

See all rhymes for breve →

Frequently asked questions

What is a breve in coffee?

It is a drink made with equal parts espresso and half-and-half cream, giving it a richer texture than a milk-based latte.

What does the breve symbol mean?

It is a curved mark placed over a vowel to show the vowel is short.

How long is a breve in music?

It is a note lasting twice as long as a semibreve, sometimes called a double whole note.

What is the meaning of breve?

"breve" (noun) means a curved mark placed above a vowel to show that it is pronounced short.