Advanced English Word of the Day

Definitions

English > English
crescendo
1. n. (music) An instruction to play gradually more loudly, denoted by a long, narrow angle with its apex on the left ( <), by musicians called a hairpin.
2. n. (figuratively) A gradual increase of anything, especially to a dramatic climax.
Their fighting rose in a fearsome crescendo.
3. n. (figuratively, nonstandard) The climax of a gradual increase.
Their arguing rose to a fearsome crescendo.
4. v. To increase in intensity; to reach or head for a crescendo.
The band crescendoed and then suddenly went silent.
5. adv. (music) Gradually increasing in force or loudness.

Pronunciation

Example Sentences

Crescendo is the rising, and what is risen to is a climax.  The sound of birds chirping, growing louder and louder until it builds to an almost deafening crescendo, then fades away.  He becomes increasingly animated as he paces around the room and orates in a rising crescendo.

Review previous words

Random