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stringendo

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /strɪnˈdʒɛndoʊ/

KK: /strɪnˈdʒɛndoʊ/

adjective
Definition

A term used in music to indicate that the tempo should gradually increase.


Example

The conductor signaled the orchestra to play the piece with a stringendo effect, building excitement as the music progressed.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that new piece they played at the concert last night?
Sloth B
Yes! It had such a powerful stringendo effect that really built the excitement.
Sloth A
I loved how the tempo kept increasing—it made it so intense!
Sloth B
Exactly! It’s amazing how stringendo can elevate a performance.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
accelerando
hastening
quickening
Antonyms
slowing
decelerando
lagging
adverb
Definition

In music, it means to gradually increase the speed or tempo of a piece, often leading to a climax.


Example

The conductor signaled the orchestra to play stringendo as they approached the final crescendo.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you notice how the music started to build up during the performance?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was amazing how the tempo quickened.
Sloth A
I loved how they played the final part with such stringendo.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Stringendo → It is derived from "stringere" (meaning to draw tight or bind) and the suffix "-ndo" (indicating a gerund or ongoing action). The word "stringendo" refers to the act of tightening or drawing something together, often used in a musical context to indicate a gradual increase in tempo or intensity.

Memory Tip

Think of 'drawing tight' ('stringere') to remember that 'stringendo' means to gradually tighten or increase in intensity.

Visually Confused Words
unstringed
astringent
Is this page helpful?
Absolutely! It really made the whole experience more exciting.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
accelerando
hastening
quickening
Antonyms
slowing
decelerando
retarding