ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cadence

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈkeɪdəns// UK //kˈeɪdəns// ca·dence

n. the natural rhythm or rise and fall of a voice or a piece of music. It can also mean the regular beat of a physical activity, like walking or rowing.

n. the rhythmic flow or sequence of sounds in language or music; specifically, the modulation of the voice or a progression of chords that concludes a musical phrase.


SIMPLE

The poet read his work with a slow, steady cadence.

CONTEXTUAL

The drill sergeant used a loud, rhythmic cadence to keep the soldiers marching in perfect time.

COMPLEX

The speaker's natural cadence was so soothing that the audience remained captivated, even though the technical details of the lecture were exceptionally dense and difficult to follow.

Synonyms
Origin

From the word cadence.

Usage

Countable when referring to specific rhythmic patterns; uncountable when referring to the general quality of rhythm.

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