rallentando means slackening; becoming slower (used as a musical direction). It carries an Arena rating of 1501, earned across 2 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, rallentando ranks #1,670 of 17,130 for Most Ingenious Words, #2,835 of 17,120 for Most Beautiful Words, #3,608 of 17,114 for Most Satisfying to Say, #4,332 of 17,150 for Funniest Words.
Why “rallentando” is a great word
A musical direction for a gradual slackening or slowing of tempo, borrowed from Italian rallentando, the present participle of rallentare ("to slow down"), from the root lento ("slow"). Unlike ritardando, which often implies a deliberate, more pronounced braking, or accelerando, its direct, quickening opposite, rallentando suggests a flowing, inevitable easing of momentum. It is the breath released at the end of a long phrase, the gentle descent of autumn leaves, or the way a river broadens and deepens as it approaches the sea—a measured release that honors the weight of what is being left behind, the music hesitating, as if reluctant to let go.
adj
- slackening; becoming slower (used as a musical direction).
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