inflect

verb

in·​flect in-ˈflekt 

inflected; inflecting; inflects

transitive verb

1

: to vary (a word) by inflection : decline, conjugate

2

: to change or vary the pitch of

inflect one's voice

3

: to affect or alter noticeably : influence

an approach inflected by feminism

4

: to turn from a direct line or course : curve

intransitive verb

: to become modified by inflection

inflectable

in-ˈflek-tə-bəl 

adjective

inflective

in-ˈflek-tiv 

adjective

Examples of inflect in a Sentence

Most nouns in English are inflected for plural use by adding “-s” or “-es.”

Most nouns in English inflect for plural use by adding “-s” or “-es.”

Most adjectives in English do not inflect for gender or number.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gaudy, sweaty, and drenched in glitter, Zoolander was as high-concept as Hollywood comedies got in its era, a Pop Art–inflected karate thriller with a Nyquil-drunk fever-dream rhythm and the dialogue of an early Apatow stoner buddy flick. —Sean Malin, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024

Jim also highlighted Amazon’s Europe business, which is inflecting after being bogged down by the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024

The underlying fruits are tropical inflected in this blend of Rhone grapes, and there’s a creamy aspect before leading to the clean, lively. —Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Here even the simplest daily routines are inflected with loss. —Sophie Neiman, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inflectere, from in- + flectere to bend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

Kids Definition

inflect

verb

in·​flect in-ˈflekt 

1

: to change a word by inflection

2

: to change the pitch of the voice