# inflected

/ˌɪnˈfɫɛktəd/ (US) · /ɪnflˈɛktɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inflected
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

having word forms that change to show grammar — like adding endings for past tense or plural.

For teachers: having word forms that change to mark grammatical categories such as tense, number, or case. Typically contrasts with languages that rely on word order or helper words instead.

## Examples

- Some languages are highly inflected and use many word endings.
- In our grammar lesson we saw how nouns change endings because the language is highly inflected.
- Unlike languages that rely on word order, a richly inflected system encodes tense, number, and case directly in the shape of the word itself.

## Antonyms

uninflected

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often modified by degree words like 'highly' or 'richly'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.