diminuendo

American  

[dih-min-yoo-en-doh] / dɪˌmɪn yuˈɛn doʊ /

adjective

1. gradually reducing in force or loudness; decrescendo (crescendo ).

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noun

plural

diminuendoes

1. a gradual reduction of force or loudness.

2. a diminuendo passage. >

diminuendo British  

/ dɪˌmɪnjʊˈɛndəʊ /

noun

1. 1.  dim.  a gradual decrease in loudness or the musical direction indicating this

   2. a musical passage affected by a diminuendo

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adjective

1. gradually decreasing in loudness

2. with a diminuendo

Etymology

Origin of diminuendo

1765–75; < Italian, present participle of diminuire; diminish

Example Sentences

This strategy, more in an operatic tradition, is in direct contrast to his later technique of concluding with a diminuendo—a quieter, more subtle ending.

From The Wall Street Journal

Later, after a short diminuendo featuring Joachim’s gorgeous live singing and those choppy, sampled vocals, the full-band dynamic returns, now with fiery lines from Joachim’s flute.

From New York Times

And that comes down to choices about how to describe things and how much insider language to use, like “diminuendo” or “staccato.”

From New York Times

He plays through the ends of phrases, bringing them to a fine point with exquisitely shaped diminuendos, and maintains a clear yet shimmery tone.

From New York Times

For the “Flower Song” from “Carmen,” Tetelman cushions the contours of his phrases, hooks into high notes without breaking the musical line and nails the diminuendo on the high B flat.

From New York Times