What does 'diminuendo' mean in music dynamics?

The term 'diminuendo' in music dynamics signifies a gradual decrease in volume or intensity. This indicates to the performer that the sound should become softer over a specified passage of music. It is important to understand that diminuendo is often noted in sheet music, guiding musicians to create a sense of reduced energy or a fading effect in their performance.

In contrast to other dynamics, which indicate an increase (such as crescendo) or an immediate change (like suddenly loud), diminuendo specifically emphasizes a smooth and gradual transition to softer dynamics, contributing to expressive phrasing and overall musical interpretation.