inflection

noun

in·​flec·​tion in-ˈflek-shən 

1

: change in pitch or loudness of the voice

2

a

: the change of form that words undergo to mark such distinctions as those of case, gender, number, tense, person, mood, or voice

b

: a form, suffix, or element involved in such variation

c

: accidence

3

: the act or result of curving or bending : bend

4

a

: change in curvature of an arc or curve from concave to convex or conversely

b

: inflection point

Did you know?

Changing the pitch, tone, or loudness of our words are ways we communicate meaning in speech, though not on the printed page. A rising inflection at the end of a sentence generally indicates a question, and a falling inflection indicates a statement, for example. Another way of inflecting words is by adding endings: -s to make a noun plural, -ed to put a verb in the past tense, -er to form the comparative form of an adjective, and so on.

Synonyms

• angle
• arc
• arch
• bend
• bow
• crook
• curvature
• curve
• turn
• wind

Examples of inflection in a Sentence

She spoke with no inflection.

She read the lines with an upward inflection.

Most English adjectives do not require inflection.

“Gone” and “went” are inflections of the verb “go.”

English has fewer inflections than many other languages.

Recent Examples on the Web

She’s just delivered another round of notes, asking the kids to change their inflection here, try a new line there — and most importantly, have fun while doing it. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024

Available in over a dozen options—from the light periwinkle (Dream Much) seen here, with inflections of pink and silver, to metallic and opalescent white—there are a variety of pretty shades and finishes to choose from. —Allure, 3 Aug. 2024

Other times, if Neva goes on ahead, the inflection will turn to curiosity while Alba searches for her friend. —Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024

Payne’s inflections shined the most on ballads like these, where there was nothing but vocals and guitars. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing inflection

• inflection point
• point of inflection

Kids Definition

inflection

noun

in·​flec·​tion in-ˈflek-shən 

1

: a change in the pitch or tone of a person's voice

2

: the change in the form of a word showing its case, gender, number, person, tense, mood, voice, or comparison

inflectional

-shnəl

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

inflection

noun

in·​flec·​tion

variants or chiefly British inflexion

in-ˈflek-shən 

: the act or result of curving or bending