crescendo
/kɹəˈʃɛn.dəʊ/
Group 31Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- The loudest point reached in a gradually increasing sound; a progressive increase in intensity GRE
Example in Context
The protests built to a crescendo over the course of the week, culminating in a massive demonstration that filled the capital's central square.
Synonyms
build-upclimaxpeak
Etymology
Growing in intensity, especially in sound.
- crescere (Latin) — to grow
Memory Aid
🎶Sounds like “crescendo”
As the music builds to a CRESCENDO, it sounds like a CREATURE growing louder and louder!
Visual Association
🔊A band playing, with music notes rising higher and higher until the grand finale!
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “crescendo” mean on the GRE?
crescendo (noun) means “The loudest point reached in a gradually increasing sound; a progressive increase in intensity”. The protests built to a crescendo over the course of the week, culminating in a massive demonstration that filled the capital's central square.
How to remember “crescendo” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “crescendo” sounds like “crescendo”. As the music builds to a CRESCENDO, it sounds like a CREATURE growing louder and louder!
What are synonyms for “crescendo”?
Common synonyms: build-up, climax, peak.