cadence

ca·dence

noun \ˈkā-d^ən(t)s\

Definition of CADENCE

1

a : a rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds in language b : the beat, time, or measure of rhythmical motion or activity

2

a : a falling inflection of the voice b : a concluding and usually falling strain; specifically : a musical chord sequence moving to a harmonic close or point of rest and giving the sense of harmonic completion

3

: the modulated and rhythmic recurrence of a sound especially in nature

— ca·denced \-d^ən(t)st\ adjective

— ca·den·tial \kā-ˈden(t)-shəl\ adjective

Examples of CADENCE

1. the steady cadence of the drums
2. Oars moved back and forth in smooth cadence.
3. He speaks with a soft Southern cadence.

Origin of CADENCE

Middle English, from Old Italian cadenza, from cadere to fall, from Latin — more at chance

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CADENCE

Synonyms: beat, rhythm, measure, meter

Related Words: accent, accentuation, emphasis, stress; backbeat; drum, throb; lilt, movement, sway, swing; hexameter, pentameter, tetrameter, trimeter

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Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue