Inflect: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in linguistic contexts to describe how the form of a word changes to express different grammatical functions such as tense, mood, person, number, case, and gender.

• In English, verbs inflect for tense, person, and number.
• Latin nouns inflect to indicate their roles in the sentence.

Primarily used when discussing verbs and how they change form to match different subjects and tenses.

• In Spanish, it's important to learn how to conjugate verbs correctly.
• He struggled to conjugate the irregular verb in his French class.

Commonly used with nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in languages to indicate their various case forms. This term is more technical and often appears in the study of inflected languages like Latin or German.

• In German, you must know how to decline adjectives.
• Latin cases require students to decline nouns correctly.

A general term used to indicate any form of change or difference. Not limited to grammar; can apply to numerous scenarios where elements are different or show variation.

• Opinions on the topic vary widely.
• The dress code may vary depending on the occasion.

To change the form of a word to express a particular grammatical function such as tense, mood, or voice in language. Used primarily in linguistics and grammar discussions.

• In Spanish, verbs are inflected to indicate tense and person.
• You need to inflect the verb correctly to match the subject.

To adjust or alter the tone, pitch, or volume of the voice, often to create a particular effect. Used in music, speech therapy, and broadcasting.

• He modulated his voice to capture the audience's attention.
• Singers must learn to modulate their tone to hit the correct notes.

To vary the pitch of the voice while speaking to express emotion or emphasis. Common in acting, public speaking, and conversation analysis.

• She intonated her words carefully to convey disappointment.
• Actors must intonate their lines to reflect their character's emotions.

Typically used in linguistics to describe how the form of a word changes to express different grammatical categories such as tense, mood, voice, aspect, person, number, gender, and case.

• In many languages, verbs inflect to indicate the subject's tense.
• The word 'go' inflects to 'went' in the past tense.

Refers to the variation of the form of a verb in linguistics to express different grammatical categories such as tense, mood, voice, aspect, person, number, and gender.

• In Spanish, you must learn how to conjugate verbs.
• To conjugate the verb 'to be' in the past tense, you use 'was' and 'were'.

In linguistics, used to describe the variation of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives to express different grammatical cases. It can convey a slightly formal or technical tone.

• Latin nouns decline to indicate their grammatical role in the sentence.
• Learning how to decline adjectives in German can be challenging.

A general term, used in everyday language to describe any transformation or alteration in state or form, not necessarily tied to grammar.

• You need to change your clothes before the party.
• The weather can change quickly in this region.