Which term means gradually slower?

Which term means gradually slower?

• A. Rallentando
• B. Ritenuto
• C. Sforzando
• D. Simile

Answer: (A)

Tempo change markings guide how the music feels in time. This item asks which term shows a gradual slowing of tempo. Rallentando communicates a deliberate, ongoing deceleration—tempo slows down gradually over a passage, producing a broad, expressive relax in speed. That careful, expanding slow-down is exactly what “gradually slower” describes. The other terms point to different ideas: sforzando is a sudden, strong accent; simile means "continue in the same way" (often in articulation or tempo); ritardando or ritenuto involve slowing, but ritardando is more about slowing down toward a new tempo and rittenuto is holding back or delaying rather than easing into a slower pace.

Tempo change markings guide how the music feels in time. This item asks which term shows a gradual slowing of tempo.

Rallentando communicates a deliberate, ongoing deceleration—tempo slows down gradually over a passage, producing a broad, expressive relax in speed. That careful, expanding slow-down is exactly what “gradually slower” describes.

The other terms point to different ideas: sforzando is a sudden, strong accent; simile means "continue in the same way" (often in articulation or tempo); ritardando or ritenuto involve slowing, but ritardando is more about slowing down toward a new tempo and rittenuto is holding back or delaying rather than easing into a slower pace.