cadence
cadence Lexical Profile
cadence Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A modulation, inflection, or rhythmic flow of the voice in speaking or reading aloud.
"The orator spoke with a slow, measured cadence that held the audience's attention."
A regular, measured beat or rate of movement, such as in marching, running, or pedaling a bicycle.
"Experienced distance runners maintain a steady cadence to conserve energy over long miles."
In music, a sequence of notes or chords comprising the close and harmonic resolution of a musical phrase.
"The symphony concluded with a powerful authentic cadence in the home key."
• verb
To make rhythmical or to modulate the flow and inflection of (speech, verse, or music).
"The poet carefully cadenced each line to mirror the rising and falling of the ocean waves."
• Rhymes for cadence
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century via Middle French and Italian 'cadenza' from Vulgar Latin 'cadentia', a noun formed from the present participle of Latin 'cadere' ('to fall'), originally referring to the falling inflection of the voice at the end of a phrase.