What does "ritardando" indicate in terms of tempo?

"Ritardando," often abbreviated as "rit.," is an Italian term used in music that indicates a gradual decrease in tempo. When a musician sees this marking, it instructs them to slow down gradually over a passage, creating a sense of relaxation or a change in mood.

This effect can be particularly expressive, allowing the music to convey emotions such as tension or anticipation. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of "ritardando." For example, "held back" might imply a more immediate slowing or a change in interpretation, rather than the gradual nature that "ritardando" suggests. Similarly, terms like "first" and "faster than allegro" do not relate to the concept of slowing down, as they refer to different aspects of tempo or performance order. Thus, the correct understanding of "ritardando" as a gradual slowdown aligns perfectly with the meaning of the term in musical notation.