crescendo — a gradual increase in loudness in music
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a gradual increase in loudness in music
Pronunciation (IPA): /krɪˈʃendoʊ/
Example Sentences
- My neighbor's karaoke sessions always end in a crescendo that makes my dog howl.
- The tension in the meeting room built to a crescendo when someone mentioned pizza toppings.
- The storm reached its crescendo at midnight, with thunder and lightning at their peak.
crescendo
NOUN[/krɪˈʃendoʊ/]
a gradual increase in loudness in music
The orchestra built to a thunderous crescendo as the conductor raised both arms.
The conductor began softly, then increased the orchestra's volume until the music reached its crescendo. (Think: CRESCENDO = CRESCENDO! → “CRANK IT UP!”)
The crescendo grew, and the audience held its breath as the orchestra reached the final peak.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Italian musical terminology, derived from Latin 'crescere' meaning 'to grow or increase.' Originally used only in music to indicate gradually increasing volume, but later expanded to describe any building intensity.
Breakdown
cresc- (to grow, from Latin crescere) + -endo (Italian gerund suffix, meaning 'in the process of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My neighbor's karaoke sessions always end in a crescendo that makes my dog howl.”
“The tension in the meeting room built to a crescendo when someone mentioned pizza toppings.”
“The storm reached its crescendo at midnight, with thunder and lightning at their peak.”
“Her excitement built to a crescendo as she opened each birthday present.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.