Hobbies Playing Music The Definition of Ritenuto (Riten.) Share PINTEREST Email Print Mel Curtis/Getty Images Playing Music Playing Piano Tutorials Piano Chords Buying Advice Music Education Playing Guitar Home Recording By Brandy Kraemer Updated on 05/31/17 The Italian musical command Ritenuto (often abbreviated Riten.) is an indication to suddenly and temporarily decrease the tempo; to hold back for dramatic effect. Note: Ritenuto is sometimes abbreviated rit., which also stands for ritardando. Also Known As: retenu; en retenant (Fr) zurückhaltend (Ger) Pronunciation: riht'-en-OO-doh (U.S.) ree'-tten-OO-toh More Italian Musical Commands: dolcissimo a piacere vivace rubato smorzando Featured Video