Crescendoes

The plural form of 'crescendo', meaning a gradual increase in loudness, intensity, or force. This can apply to music, sounds, emotions, or even the unfolding of events. It's a dynamic term, capturing the building of something from a quieter or less intense state to a peak. It often implies a sense of anticipation and excitement as the intensity grows. The progression is typically sustained, moving in stages until the apex is reached before potentially receding, although the word itself focuses primarily on the ascent. The term can be used metaphorically to describe increasing momentum in situations beyond literal sound, like an argument, a series of events, or someone's passion. The transition is smooth, not abrupt, creating a layered effect.

Crescendoes meaning with examples

• The orchestra skillfully executed the composer's score, employing expertly crafted crescendoes that swelled the emotional impact of the performance, culminating in a powerful, resonant climax. Each instrumental section played its part, contributing to the growing intensity, building to a breathtaking final chord that sent shivers down the audience's spines.
• The political rally was punctuated by a series of passionate speeches. The crowd's enthusiasm built slowly at first, then the speeches ignited fervent support, and the combined chanting generated a cacophony of sound. The crescendoes of applause and cheers became overwhelming, reflecting the audience's fervent agreement with the speaker's views, demonstrating the group's growing unity and resolve.
• As the detective pieced together the clues, the tension in the investigation gradually increased. The initial findings were innocuous, but as the evidence mounted and the truth came to light, the case built toward a series of startling reveals. Each revelation created a crescendo in suspense, leaving the detective and the reader wondering what might be found next.
• The argument between the couple began with hushed voices, gradually evolving into a heated exchange. Their emotions mounted as they brought up past grievances, with each point raising the level of their voices, creating a crescendo of anger. The volume of the situation quickly moved to a level that would likely need some time to resolve before either of them would be able to consider any resolution.