decrescendo

noun/diˌkrɛˈʃɛndo/

Frequency rank: #19,963 most common English word

Meaning

A gradual decrease in loudness in a piece of music.

Illustration for the English word “decrescendo”

Example sentence

The conductor signaled for decrescendo at the end of the passage, and the orchestra gradually grew softer.

Synonyms & related words

  • diminuendo
  • fadeout
  • softening

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