Crescendo
/krəˈʃendəʊ/noun
A gradual increase in loudness in a piece of music.
The crescendo of the orchestra's performance was exhilarating.
Often appears as...
- reach a crescendo
- gradual crescendo
Usage tips
Music
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Music Dynamics
In music, 'crescendo' indicates a section should gradually get louder, often creating excitement.
The pianist’s hands flowed over the keys as the piece crescendoed.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Abrupt
A 'crescendo' is not sudden; it emphasizes a slow build-up in music or situations.
Her nervousness crescendoed as the interview time approached.
Pro Tip 3/3Culminating Point
The climax of a crescendo is often where the music or action reaches its peak.
The movie’s tension crescendoed in the final chase scene.
Compare with
amplificationaugmentclimaxincreaseintensificationpeakriseswell
Never forget "Crescendo"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension