crescendo
noun/verb
A gradual increase in loudness or intensity; the loudest or most intense point; to increase gradually in loudness or force.
Etymology
From Italian crescendo "increasing," present participle of crescere "to grow," from Latin crescere "to come into being, grow."
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The symphony built to a magnificent crescendo in the final movement."
- 2.
"Political tensions reached a crescendo before the election."
- 3.
"Applause crescendoed as the star took the stage."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Crescendo is commonly misused to mean "peak" or "climax." Properly, it refers to the gradual building process, not the peak itself. The same is true of its opposite, "decrescendo" or "diminuendo."
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (C, R, E, S, C, E, N, D, O)
Scrabble Value: 14 points
Tip: Words ending in "DO" are often good scoring opportunities.
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