cadence
KAY-duhns
/ˈkeɪ.dəns/
A modulation or inflection of the voice, or a sequence of notes or chords comprising the close of a musical phrase.
Marks a point of rest, pause, or resolution at the end of a spoken phrase or musical sentence.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'cadentia' (a falling), from 'cadere' (to fall). It originally described the natural drop in vocal pitch at the end of a spoken sentence or musical phrase.
Word relationships
- resolution: Resolution refers to releasing harmonic tension, while cadence specifically refers to the formal ending chord progression.
- inflection: Inflection refers to vocal pitch variation, whereas cadence encompasses structural phrase endings and speech flow.
- continuation: Continuation keeps moving forward without pausing or signaling a phrase ending.
Commonly confused with
- credence: Credence means belief or trust, whereas cadence refers to speech flow or musical phrase endings.
Word family
- cadenced (adjective): Having or marked by a rhythmic cadence.
Collocations
- rhythmic cadence
- perfect cadence
- cadence of speech
Example sentences
- "The movement ended on a decisive perfect cadence that gave the audience a satisfying sense of completion." Classical phrase ending
Memory hook
CADENCE is where notes FALL into place at the phrase end. The resolving fall at the end of a phrase.
When not to use
Do not use for sudden random noise interruptions or non-repeating erratic sound bursts.
Fun facts
- In marching bands, a 'drum cadence' is a rhythmic pattern played by drummers to keep soldiers or band members marching in step between full pieces.
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