Langimage
English

rallentando

|ral-len-tan-do|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˌrɑːlənˈtændoʊ/

🇬🇧

/ˌrælənˈtændəʊ/

slowing down

Etymology
Etymology Information

'rallentando' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'rallentare,' where 'rallentare' meant 'to slow down.'

Historical Evolution

'rallentare' transformed into the musical term 'rallentando' and was adopted into English musical terminology.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to slow down,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in musical contexts.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a gradual decrease in tempo.

The rallentando added a dramatic effect to the symphony.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

gradually slowing in tempo.

The piece ends with a rallentando passage.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/07/14 05:41