ritardando
|ri-tar-dan-do|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌriːtɑːrˈdɑːndoʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˌriːtɑːˈdændəʊ/
gradual slowing
Etymology
Etymology Information
'ritardando' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'ritardare,' where 'ritard-' meant 'to delay.'
Historical Evolution
'ritardare' transformed into the musical term 'ritardando' and has been adopted into English as a direction in music.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to delay,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'gradually slowing down in music.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
a musical term indicating a gradual decrease in tempo.
The conductor signaled the orchestra to play ritardando.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/15 17:24