inflectionnoun
UK also inflexion uk/ɪnˈflek.ʃən/us/ɪnˈflek.ʃən/inflection noun (GRAMMAR)
[ C ] specialized language a change in or addition to the form of a word that shows a change in the way it is used in sentences:
If you add the plural inflection "-s" to "dog" you get "dogs".
More examples
- In the present tense we say "he sits", because the third person singular inflection of the verb is -s.
- By adding the inflection "-ed", you form the past tense of the verb.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Linguistics: grammatical terms
- ablative
- apposition
- attributive
- collocate
- comparative
- declension
- decline
- dependent clause
- double negative
- grammar
- grammarian
- grammatical
- independent clause
- indirect object
- indirect question
- inflect
- interrogative
- modifier
- reflexive
- superlative
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inflection noun (SPEECH)
[ C or U ] the way in which the sound of your voice changes during speech, for example when you emphasize particular words:
His voice was low and flat, with almost no inflection.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Ways of speaking
- accent
- accentuate
- aitch
- asperity
- BBC English
- cut glass
- dialect
- get your tongue around/round sth idiom
- intone
- lenis
- modulate
- monotone
- plummy
- pragmatics
- singsong
- soft-spoken
- speech therapy
- spoken
- stumble
- trip off the tongue idiom
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Linguistics: phonology & phonetics