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Glite Dictionary
rit.

rit.

8.1
Gradually play more slowly to reduce the speed of the music
  • adjective
  • /rɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : rit.
  • The pianist noticed the rit. marking and gradually reduced her speed.

Examples

  • The conductor signaled the orchestra to play rit. before the final chord.

  • Many classical pieces end with a rit. to slow the music dramatically.

  • The piece ended with a rit.

  • Did the conductor signal a rit.?

  • The conductor instructed the orchestra to play with a rit. to create tension before the climax of the piece.

  • As the symphony reached its end, the musicians executed a rit. that enhanced the emotional impact of the finale.

  • During the rehearsal, the soloist followed the rit. marking to smoothly decrease the tempo of her performance.

Synonyms

ritardando
vsrit.
  • Specialized
8.9

A gradual slowing of the music's speed

is the abbreviated form of that slowing instruction
rallentando
vsrit.
  • Specialized
9.9

Gradually make the music slower

is the abbreviated form of a specific instruction to slow

Antonyms

accelerando
  • Specialized
1 9.3

A part of music that gradually gets faster

Surface Forms

rit. positive

Etymology

The word rit. is short for the Italian ritardando, from ritardare meaning 'to delay' or 'to slow down'. Think of it as a small brake for the music that tells players to slow down gradually, so you often see rit. before the final, slower part of a piece.