How do you pronounce Ritardando?

Ritardando is pronounced "ree-tar-DAHN-doh".

What is the opposite of Ritardando?

The opposite of Ritardando includes: accelerando, stringendo.

Ritardando

Gradually slowing down

About Ritardando

A tempoA tempoReturn to the original tempo after a deviation.View full entry → marking directing the performer to gradually decrease speed. Abbreviated "rit." in scores.

More tempo terms

Accelerando

Gradually getting faster.

A tempo

Return to the original tempo after a deviation.

Largo

Very slow and broad; the slowest standard tempo marking.

Allegretto

Moderately fast, slightly slower than Allegro.

Stringendo

Pressing forward; an instruction to accelerate the tempo with increasing urgency.

View all tempoterms →

Synonyms

rallentando slowing down

Antonyms

accelerando stringendo

rallentando accelerando a tempo rubato

Compare with similar terms

Ritardando vs rallentando Ritardando vs slowing down Ritardando vs accelerando Ritardando vs stringendo

v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →

Nearby Terms

RhythmThe pattern of sounds and silences in time.
RinforzandoA sudden increase in volume on a single note or short passage.
RipresaA return or recapitulation of earlier musical material
RisolutoResolutely, with determination.
RisonamentoA rarely used Italian term for the sustained resonance produced by sympathetic vibration between strings
RondoA form in which a principal theme alternates with contrasting episodes
RubatoFlexible, stolen time
Rubato (rhythm)A flexible approach to tempo in which some beats are slightly lengthened and others shortened for expressive effect.
ScaleAn ordered series of pitches ascending or descending by step.
ScherzandoPlayfully — a direction to perform the current passage with humour and wit