inflection
NounUS[in-flek-shuhn]/ˌɪnˈflɛkʃən/3 syllables
Open English WordNet
Noun (4)
- a change in the form of a word (usually by adding a suffix) to indicate a change in its grammatical functionSynonyms: inflexionType of grammatical relationKinds paradigm, conjugation, declension, pluralization
- the patterns of stress and intonation in a languageSynonyms: prosodyType of manner of speaking, speechKinds stress, intonation, rhythm, caesura, enjambment
- deviation from a straight or normal courseSynonyms: flectionflexionType of deviation, divergence
- a manner of speaking in which the loudness or pitch or tone of the voice is modifiedSynonyms: modulationType of manner of speaking, speech
Word of the day · Oct 23About this word
ironynoun
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
In·flec′tion noun [Written also inflecxion.]
Origin: L. inflexio: cf. F. inflexion. See Inflect.
1. The act of inflecting, or the state of being inflected.
2. A bend; a fold; a curve; a turn; a twist.
3. A slide, modulation, or accent of the voice; as, the rising and the falling inflection.
4. Grammar The variation or change which words undergo to mark case, gender, number, comparison, tense, person, mood, voice, etc.
5. Music (a) Any change or modification in the pitch or tone of the voice. (b) A departure from the monotone, or reciting note, in chanting.
6. Opt. Same as Diffraction.
Point of inflection Geometry, the point on opposite sides of which a curve bends in contrary ways.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54