diminuendo
|di-min-u-en-do|
🇺🇸
/dɪˌmɪnjuˈɛndoʊ/
🇬🇧
/dɪˌmɪnjuˈɛndəʊ/
gradual decrease
Etymology
'diminuendo' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'diminuendo,' where 'diminuire' meant 'to diminish.'
'diminuendo' was borrowed directly from Italian into English in the late 18th century.
Initially, it meant 'to diminish in sound,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a gradual decrease in loudness or intensity in music.
The orchestra played a beautiful diminuendo at the end of the piece.
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Verb 1
to decrease in loudness or intensity.
The music diminuendoed softly into silence.
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Adjective 1
decreasing in loudness or intensity.
The diminuendo passage was executed with precision.
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Last updated: 2025/04/19 08:39