What does "staccato" mean?

Staccato refers to a style of singing or playing that is characterized by short, detached notes. When a musician performs staccato, each note is played or sung for a shorter duration than notated and is separated from the following notes, creating a distinct, crisp sound. This technique adds emphasis and contrast to the musical phrase, often creating a lively or playful character in the performance.

The other options describe different aspects of musical performance. The first option relates to a legato style, which is smooth and connected, contrasting with staccato's detached nature. The third option refers to dynamics, specifically loudness, while the last option pertains to tempo, which measures the speed of the music rather than the articulation of the notes. Thus, staccato is specifically defined by its short and detached characteristics, making the second choice the correct answer.