diminuendo

American  

[dih-min-yoo-en-doh] / dɪˌmɪn yuˈɛn doʊ /

adjective

1. gradually reducing in force or loudness; decrescendo (crescendo ).

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noun

plural

diminuendoes

1. a gradual reduction of force or loudness.

2. a diminuendo passage. >

diminuendo British  

/ dɪˌmɪnjʊˈɛndəʊ /

noun

1. 1.  dim.  a gradual decrease in loudness or the musical direction indicating this

   2. a musical passage affected by a diminuendo

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adjective

1. gradually decreasing in loudness

2. with a diminuendo

Etymology

Origin of diminuendo

1765–75; < Italian, present participle of diminuire; diminish

Example Sentences

In Mitchell’s case, the diminuendo was especially long, and his continued expectations for himself much higher.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 20, 2015

As each wave rolls in—booming, roaring, growling, hissing—I listen to its voice: the unique contours of its rising and falling, its singular crescendo and diminuendo.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2015

The command of dynamics is so brilliant that a quick series of vertically rising hand claps, phrased as a diminuendo, becomes enchanting.

From New York Times • Oct. 9, 2014

In Limonov, as a writer in search of a narrative line, Carrère struggles with this diminuendo.

From The Guardian • Sep. 21, 2014

Here he went off, diminuendo, again, with a few flying imprecations upon several things and persons unknown.

From Jack Hinton The Guardsman by Lever, Charles James