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cadence

KEY-duhns /ˈkeɪdəns/

nounC1GRESATACT

literaryformal

A modulation or inflection of the voice; the rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words.

Cadence refers to the musicality and rhythm of speech, including the rise and fall of pitch and the pacing of words.

The story behind the word. Cadence comes from the Latin cadere, meaning 'to fall'. In music and speech, it originally referred to the falling of the voice at the end of a sentence or musical phrase, marking a natural point of rest.

Word relationships

rhythm: Rhythm is a general term for any regular pattern of movement or sound, while cadence specifically implies a falling or modulating vocal pattern.
tempo: Tempo refers strictly to the speed of speech, while cadence encompasses speed, pitch, and rhythmic structure.

monotone: Monotone is a flat, unvarying pitch and rhythm, the absolute opposite of the expressive modulation of cadence.

Commonly confused with

decadence: Decadence refers to moral or cultural decline, while cadence refers to vocal rhythm, though both share the root meaning 'to fall'.

Word family

cadenced (adjective): Having a rhythmic flow.

Collocations

rhythmic cadence
vocal cadence
cadence of speech
steady cadence

Example sentences

"The steady, rhythmic cadence of the professor's voice had a hypnotic effect on the lecture hall." Describing a soothing speaker.
"She read her verses aloud, letting the natural cadence of the language guide the emotional weight of each line." Analyzing a poet's reading.

Memory hook

Cadence sounds like 'cat dance'. Imagine a cat dancing to a steady, rhythmic beat. The rise and fall of the voice.

When not to use

Do not use cadence to describe the literal volume of a voice; it is strictly about rhythm, tempo, and pitch modulation.

Fun facts

In military marching, a 'cadence call' (or 'Jodie call') is a traditional chant sung by military personnel while running or marching to keep everyone in step.