crescendo
Crescendo (noun) means a gradual increase in intensity, loudness, or excitement, often building to a peak. Example: “The applause built to a crescendo as the singer hit the final note.”
How to use crescendo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA steady build-up to a high point.
Strictly it means a build-up TO a climax, not the climax itself — but "reach a crescendo" is now common and widely accepted.
Word forms
crescendoed past tense, crescendos plural, crescendi plural, crescendoes plural, crescendoes singular, crescendos singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The applause built to a _____ as the singer hit the final note.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian crescendo, "growing", from crescere, "to grow" — originally a musical instruction to play increasingly loudly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for crescendo
See all rhymes for crescendo →Frequently asked questions
What does “crescendo” mean?
The word “crescendo” means a gradual increase in intensity, loudness, or excitement, often building to a peak. In plain terms, a steady build-up to a high point.
How do you pronounce “crescendo”?
“Crescendo” is pronounced krih-SHEHN-doh (/kɹɪˈʃɛn.doʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “crescendo” in a sentence?
Here is “crescendo” used in a sentence: “The applause built to a crescendo as the singer hit the final note.”
What is another word for “crescendo”?
Words with a similar meaning to “crescendo” include amplification, ascension, boost, gain, growth and increase.
What is the opposite of “crescendo”?
The opposite of “crescendo” — its antonyms — are decrescendo, diminuendo, climax, conclusion and decrease.
What part of speech is “crescendo”?
“Crescendo” is a noun.
Where does the word “crescendo” come from?
The word “crescendo” comes from Italian. Borrowed from Italian crescendo, "growing", from crescere, "to grow" — originally a musical instruction to play increasingly loudly.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include crescendo: