What is the meaning of the word "e" in musical terms?

In musical terminology, the word "e" is derived from the Italian word 'e,' which translates to “and” in English. This term is often used in musical scores to connect elements, indicating that two or more notes or phrases should be played in conjunction with one another. For example, a composer might use "e" to link two musical ideas that should be interpreted together, creating a sense of unity in the performance.

The other options, although they may seem plausible in different contexts, do not reflect the specific meaning of "e" in music. "With," "but," and "or" serve different functions and do not convey the same conjunction that "and" does in the context of musical notation. Therefore, understanding that "e" means “and” is essential for interpreting scores correctly and recognizing the relationships between various musical phrases.