26984 words

inflection

4 definitions • 4 examples
1
a change in or addition to the form of a word that shows a change in the way it is used in sentences:

Examples:

If you add the plural inflection "-s" to "dog" you get "dogs".
2
the way in which the sound of your voice changes during speech, for example when you emphasize particular words:

Examples:

His voice was low and flat, with almost no inflection.
3
change in the quality of the voice, often showing an emotion:

Examples:

Phyllis replies without any particular inflection in her voice, "I guess I’m lazy."
4
a change in a word form or ending to show a difference in the word’s meaning or use:

Examples:

"Gets," "got," and "gotten" are inflections of the verb "get."

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