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Cadence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cadence

[ˈkeɪdəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A sequence of notes or chords comprising the close of a musical phrase.

Synonyms

conclusion, ending, resolution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cadence

Typically used in music and poetry, it refers to the rhythm and flow of a sequence of sounds or words.

  • The cadence of the poem was soothing to the listener.
  • He played the song with a beautiful cadence that captivated the audience.
conclusion

Used to denote the final part of a piece of writing, speech, or process where everything comes together logically.

  • In conclusion, the study shows a significant correlation between the variables.
  • As her speech drew to a conclusion, the audience applauded enthusiastically.
ending

Often used in storytelling, movies, and books to refer to how a narrative or story finishes.

  • The ending of the movie was unexpected and left the viewers in shock.
  • She wrote an alternative ending for her favorite novel.
resolution

Frequently used in discussions about conflicts or problems, it refers to the solution or transformation that resolves an issue.

  • The resolution of the conflict brought peace to the village.
  • His New Year's resolution was to exercise more regularly.

Examples of usage

  • The cadence at the end of the piece left the audience in awe.
  • The composer used a perfect cadence to conclude the symphony.
Context #2 | Noun

poetry

A rhythmic pattern of sounds that creates a harmonious effect.

Synonyms

beat, meter, rhythm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cadence

Primarily used in music or speech to describe the flow and pattern of sounds and notes. In speech, it refers to the rise and fall of the voice.

  • The cadence of her voice was soothing.
  • The music had a marching cadence.
rhythm

Relates to the overall pattern of beats and accents in music, speech, or any repeating activity. It is broader than 'beat' and includes the flow and timing of the sequence.

  • The rhythm of the song made everyone want to dance.
  • Find your own rhythm in your daily routine.
beat

Refers to the basic unit of time in music, the regular pulse that you can tap your foot to. It is also used in a broader context to describe something that happens regularly.

  • The drummer kept a steady beat.
  • Reporters are on the crime beat.
meter

In poetry and music, it is the regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables or notes. In poetry, it is often associated with a specific structure or form.

  • Shakespeare often wrote in iambic meter.
  • The song is in 4/4 meter.

Examples of usage

  • The poet employed a melodic cadence in his verses.
  • Her spoken words had a lyrical cadence that captivated the listeners.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • In music, cadence refers to sequences of chords that signal the end of phrases or pieces, akin to punctuation in sentences.
  • There are different types of cadences in music such as authentic, half, deceptive, and plagal, each creating distinct feelings.
  • Jazz and classical musicians often play with cadence to enhance improvisation, giving their performances unique character.

Linguistics

  • In speech, cadence influences how we convey emotions, with rising tones suggesting questions and falling tones indicating certainty.
  • Writers often use cadence in poetry to create flow and enhance the auditory experience for readers.
  • The study of cadence in language reveals how it affects listener engagement and comprehension.

Psychology

  • People often respond emotionally to the cadence of others' voices, making it a powerful tool in persuasion and storytelling.
  • A comforting cadence can create a sense of safety and connection during conversations, influencing interpersonal relationships.
  • Music therapy frequently uses cadence and rhythm to aid emotional expression and healing.

Sports

  • In athletics, cadence can refer to the rate at which a runner takes steps, impacting efficiency and speed.
  • Cyclists also monitor their cadence in pedals per minute, figuring out the best rhythm for endurance and speed.
  • Coaches often emphasize the importance of maintaining a consistent cadence for optimal performance across various sports.

Origin of 'cadence'

Main points about word origin

  • This term originates from the Latin word 'cadentia', meaning 'falling' or 'flowing', reflecting the way sounds can rise and fall.
  • In French, it transformed into 'cadence', which maintained the idea of a rhythmic flow.
  • The word has been used since the 14th century in English, initially primarily in music contexts.

The word 'cadence' originated from the Latin word 'cadentia', which means 'a falling'. It was first used in the musical context in the 16th century to describe the end of a phrase or a musical section. Over time, its usage expanded to include poetry and speech patterns, referring to the rhythm and flow of language. Today, 'cadence' is widely used in music, poetry, and even in everyday language to denote a rhythmic pattern or a harmonic conclusion.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,467, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.