cadence

[keyd-ns]

noun

1. rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words.

   the cadence of language.

2. (in free verse) a rhythmic pattern that is nonmetrically structured.

3. the beat, rate, or measure of any rhythmic movement.

   The chorus line danced in rapid cadence.

   Synonyms: meter, rhythm, pulse, tempo

4. the flow or rhythm of events, especially the pattern in which something is experienced.

   the frenetic cadence of modern life.

5. a slight falling in pitch of the voice in speaking or reading, as at the end of a declarative sentence.

6. the general modulation of the voice.

7. Music.,  a sequence of notes or chords that indicates the momentary or complete end of a composition, section, phrase, etc.

verb (used with object)

cadenced, cadencing 

1. to make rhythmical.

cadence

/ ˈkeɪdəns /

noun

1. the beat or measure of something rhythmic

2. a fall in the pitch of the voice, as at the end of a sentence

3. modulation of the voice; intonation

4. a rhythm or rhythmic construction in verse or prose; measure

5. the close of a musical phrase or section

Word History and Origins

Origin of cadence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Italian cadenza cadenza

Word History and Origins

Origin of cadence¹

C14: from Old French, from Old Italian cadenza, literally: a falling, from Latin cadere to fall

Example Sentences

With the calm cadence of a flight attendant, Sue instructs everyone to put their phones on Do Not Disturb, sound and brightness to max and open Instagram to find @asexualhistoryoftheinternet.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Clarke said he poured over recordings of the trial, listening to them first before he watched the videos, partly as a way to nail down the specificities of Alex’s accent and cadence.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Structurally, Mr. Century uses short chapters to create a tick-tock cadence of Senesh’s final months while also broadening his lens to capture the courageous exploits and casual barbarisms of a genocidal age.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The brain likes rhythm and cadence,” Porter said.

Read more on MarketWatch

The first is airlift cadence: More Russian cargo flights into Caracas point to accelerated military and technical aid.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• accent 
• inflection 
• intonation 
• lilt 
• tempo