What does the term "ritardando" indicate in a musical score?

The term "ritardando" is a musical direction that instructs the performer to gradually slow down the tempo of the music. This effect can create a sense of tension or anticipation in a piece, allowing for expressive phrasing or setting up a transition to a different section of the music.

When a composer uses "ritardando," they are often guiding the performers to take their time, possibly to enhance emotional impact or to prepare for a change in dynamics or thematic material. This gradual deceleration contrasts with terms like "accelerando," which indicates an increase in tempo. Additionally, dynamics such as playing loudly or quietly are unrelated to the concept of tempo alterations, which further solidifies why "ritardando" specifically means to slow down.