Which term indicates that a note should be held or stretched?

• A. tenuto
• B. staccato
• C. vivace
• D. simile

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how articulation marks guide duration and connection. Tenuto means to hold the note for its full written value, and often with a touch more weight, yielding a smooth, sustained line. The symbol is a short line above or below the note, signaling you should respect the full length rather than shorten it. That’s why it’s the best fit for a note that should be held or stretched. By contrast, staccato asks for a short, detached note; vivace is a tempo marking meaning lively; simile tells you to continue the same articulation pattern, not specifically to extend the note. So tenuto directly communicates holding the note.