diminuendo

American  

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

adjective

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

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noun

diminuendoes plural

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

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• diminuendoes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of diminuendo

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

Explanation

In music, diminuendo means gradually growing more quiet. When the sheet music calls for a diminuendo, that's definitely not the time to blow your trumpet as hard as you can. As they play, musicians don't simply follow the notes; musical notation includes a lot of additional information, including how fast to play, whether to be loud or quiet, and when to increase or decrease the volume. Diminuendo, which comes from the Latin root deminuere, or "diminish," instructs a pianist or cellist to quiet their playing, transitioning to a more gentle sound.

Example Sentences

So I ran to the music, and, sure enough, that’s exactly what C.P.E. was asking for — no diminuendo, no rallentando, nothing.

From New York Times • Jan. 18, 2022

Seems to me that that last exchange between Paige and Elizabeth wasn't just a random diminuendo.

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2017

In Mitchell’s case, the diminuendo was especially long, and his continued expectations for himself much higher.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 20, 2015

As each wave rolls in—booming, roaring, growling, hissing—I listen to its voice: the unique contours of its rising and falling, its singular crescendo and diminuendo.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2015

On the drive a motor snorted, snored, drew away with a whine diminuendo....

From Joan Thursday by Vance, Louis Joseph