What does 'legato' mean in musical terms?

In musical terms, 'legato' refers to a style of playing or singing where the notes are smooth and connected. This technique requires that each note is played in a flowing manner, with no perceptible breaks between them, creating a seamless sound. This contrasts with other articulations, such as staccato, where notes are played in a short and detached manner. The emphasis in legato is on the continuity of sound, which can convey a lyrical and expressive quality in a piece of music. Thus, recognizing and executing legato effectively is essential for interpreting music that calls for a fluid and gentle musical line.