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

Delbis is a tall, good-natured young man who speaks with a distinctive cadence and in an unwaveringly calm tone.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While the cadence of meteors varies, a normal year produces around 10 to 20 shower members per hour, according to the American Meteor Society, so settle in and get comfortable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This includes what the firms refers to as a “strong M&A acquisition cadence,” which is driving growth.

Read more on Barron's

Yet, that she made it at all makes every frame feel personal, and you hear her affection for the cadence of her occasionally tongue-tied subjects.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“We are moving literally at the speed of light. Our one-year cadence is about us leapfrogging ourselves,” he said, noting Nvidia’s next AI server called Vera Rubin is slated for next year.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• accent 
• inflection 
• intonation 
• lilt 
• tempo