cadence
A modulation or inflection of the voice; the rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words.
In writing, cadence is the natural rise and fall of prose. It is determined by the length of words, the placement of stressed syllables, and the punctuation that forces the reader to breathe.
Word relationships
- rhythm: Rhythm is the beat itself, while cadence specifically implies a falling inflection or a concluding, harmonious flow of sound.
- lilt: Lilt is a cheerful, light, and bouncy rhythm, whereas cadence can be heavy, solemn, or grand.
- cacophony: Cacophony is a harsh, discordant, and completely non-rhythmic mixture of sounds.
Commonly confused with
- pacing: Pacing is how fast the plot moves; cadence is the musical, rhythmic sound of the words themselves.
Word family
- cadenza (noun): An elaborate, improvisational solo passage in a concerto.
Collocations
- rhythmic cadence
- melodic cadence
- cadence of speech
- natural cadence
Example sentences
- "The preacher's voice rose and fell with a hypnotic cadence that kept the entire congregation spellbound." Describing an orator's style
- "Even without a strict rhyme scheme, the novel's prose has a distinct, musical cadence." Analyzing poetic prose
Memory hook
Think of a 'cascade' of water falling down rocks. A 'cadence' is the falling, flowing rhythm of words cascading from your mouth. Cadence is the falling rhythm of speech.
When not to use
Do not confuse cadence with tempo. Tempo is the speed; cadence is the rhythmic pattern and melodic contour of the language.
Fun facts
- In military marching, a 'drill cadence' (or 'Jody call') is the rhythmic chant sung by military personnel while marching or running to keep everyone in step.
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