Answer:
Dynamics refers to the volume of a sound or note. The term is also applied to the written or printed musical notation used to indicate dynamics. Dynamics are relative and do not refer to specific volume levels.
Traditionally, dynamic markings are based on Italian words, although there is nothing wrong with simply writing things like “quietly” or “louder” in the music. Forte means loud and piano means soft. The instrument commonly called the “piano,” by the way, was originally called a “pianoforte” because it could play dynamics, unlike earlier popular keyboard instruments such as the harpsichord and spinet.
