When music is described as "ritardando," what does it indicate?

The term "ritardando" in music indicates a gradual decrease in tempo, meaning that the music should slow down. This technique is often used to create a feeling of relaxation or to emphasize a particular moment in a piece. The effect can evoke emotional responses or serve as a conclusion to a phrase, allowing the musicians to enhance the expressiveness of the performance. By implementing a ritardando, performers signal to the audience that the music is transitioning to a more leisurely pace, which can enrich the overall impact of the piece.