mp
mp — adverb
1. a written instruction in a piece of music telling the player to perform the note
a written instruction in a piece of music telling the player to perform the notes moderately softly
The cello part opens with a passage marked mp.
dynamic marking: passage marked mp
Roya played the mp section so softly the audience held its breath.
The conductor asked the violins to observe the mp marking more carefully.
At bar twenty-four the dynamic changes from mf to mp.
Theo misread the mp as f and came in far too loud.
- mezzo piano
the full Italian term; mp is its abbreviated form used in musical scores
Usage Note
Appears as a dynamic marking in sheet music, between p (soft) and mf (moderately loud).
Common Mistakes
mp — noun
- mpsingular
- mpsplural
1. a person elected by voters in a particular area to speak and make laws for them
a person elected by voters in a particular area to speak and make laws for them in a national parliament
Sirin was elected MP for her local area with a large majority.
passive: be elected MP for [area]
Omar wrote to his MP about the dangerous junction outside his daughter's school.
The MP stood up in the chamber to ask about school funding.
Ilan has served as MP for this constituency since 2010.
present perfect: has served as MP for [period]
Several MPs from both parties voted against the proposed tax rise.
- be elected MP
- become an MP
- stand as MP
- local MP
- Labour MP
- Conservative MP
- Member of Parliament
the full written form; MP is the standard abbreviation
- parliamentarian
a more general term for any member of any parliament, not only the UK
- representative
a broader term; can refer to elected officials at various levels, not only national parliament
Usage Note
Used mainly in the UK and Commonwealth countries. The equivalent in the US is Congressman, Congresswoman, or Senator.
Common Mistakes
2. a soldier whose job is to enforce laws and keep order within the armed forces
a soldier whose job is to enforce laws and keep order within the armed forces
The MP checked every vehicle entering the base perimeter.
Amani was stopped by two MPs at the gate for a routine ID check.
passive: was stopped by MPs
Xiu watched the MP handcuff the drunken soldier and lead him away from the bar.
The MP directed traffic away from the closed section of the camp.
Gita reported the stolen equipment to the MP on duty at headquarters.
- be stopped by MPs
- MP checkpoint
- MP patrol
- report to the MPs
- military police officer
the full form; MP is the standard abbreviation
- service police
a term used in some branches of the UK armed forces for their internal police
Common Mistakes
Etymology
The abbreviation mp stands for three unrelated terms. In music it is short for the Italian mezzo piano ('moderately soft'), used in written scores since the 18th century. In politics it abbreviates Member of Parliament, a term formalised in British English by the 19th century. In the military it stands for military police, a term that came into wide use during the 20th century.
First known use
1764
1764, in the meaning defined at sense 2