How is "sotto voce" commonly understood?

The term "sotto voce" is derived from Italian, meaning "under the voice." It is commonly used in the context of speech or music to indicate that something should be said or played quietly or softly. This expression is often applied in settings where a speaker wants to convey a message without drawing attention, as it implies a discreet or hushed tone. The other options do not capture this subtlety; "in a loud voice" suggests the opposite of soft, while "with confidence" and "in a public manner" refer to the manner or setting of communication rather than the volume or intensity, which is central to the understanding of "sotto voce."