crescendo definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

cres·cen·do [ krə shéndō ]

noun (plural cres·cen·dos or cres·cen·does or cres·cen·di [ krə shén d ])

Definition:

1. music increase in loudness: a gradual increase in the volume of a passage of music

2. music music played increasingly loudly: a passage of music in which there is a gradual increase in volume

3. intensification: an increase in volume or intensity similar to a crescendo in music

4. climax: the climax of an increase in volume or intensity

adjective

Definition:

becoming louder or more intense: gradually increasing in volume or intensity

adverb

Definition:

music with increasing loudness: with a gradual increase in volume

intransitive verb (past and past participle cres·cen·doed, present participle cres·cen·do·ing, 3rd person present singular cres·cen·does)

Definition:

become louder or stronger: to increase in volume or intensity

[Late 18th century. < Italian, present participle of crescere "increase" < Latin, "grow"]

Word Usage


	A crescendo is properly a process and not the end of a process. This is usually well understood in musical contexts, where the word is a technical term. In figurative uses, however, it tends to be used as an alternative for climax, which is indeed the end point or culmination of a process. In careful usage, noise or feeling can increase to a climax but it does so in a crescendo. Correct: The bird's calls rose in a crescendo. Avoid: The annoying telemarketing calls reached a crescendo the following week.