Definition of Diminuendo

Definition: The Italian musical term diminuendo (abbreviated dim.) literally means “diminishing,” and is an indication to gradually decrease the volume of the music. The musical symbol for diminuendo is a closing angle, often followed by another dynamics command (see image).
Opposite of crescendo.

Also Known As:

• decrescendo (It)
• en diminuant; devenir moins fort; s’affaiblissant (Fr)
• verringernd; leiser werdend (Ger)

Pronunciation: dim-in'-you-EN-doh

More Dynamics Commands:

• andantino
• (sfz) sforzando
• (fff) fortississimo
• allegretto
• (mf) mezzo forte