Definition

1. Noun:
   • A recurrent rhythmical series: A regular, repeated pattern of sound or movement.
   • The close of a musical section: A sequence of notes or chords that brings a musical phrase to a point of rest or conclusion.
   • (Prosody) The accent in a metrical foot of verse: The pattern or flow of rhythm created in poetry by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The steady cadence of the rain on the roof was soothing. (The regular, rhythmic sound of the rain was soothing.)
  • The composer used a perfect cadence to end the symphony's first movement. (The composer used a concluding chord sequence to end that section.)
  • The poet carefully considered the cadence of each line. (The poet carefully considered the rhythmic flow of each line of poetry.)

Advanced Usage

• "In cadence": Moving or speaking with a regular rhythm.

  • The soldiers marched in perfect cadence. (The soldiers marched with a perfectly synchronized rhythm.)

• "Cadence of speech": The rhythmic pattern or intonation of someone's voice.

  • Her calm cadence of speech made her an excellent narrator. (The rhythmic, measured quality of her voice made her narration excellent.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cadenced (adj): Having a rhythmic flow or cadence.

  • He read the poem in a beautifully cadenced voice. (He read the poem with a voice that had a beautiful rhythm.)

• Cadential (adj): Relating to or having the character of a cadence, especially in music.

  • The cadential phrase signaled the end of the section. (The concluding musical phrase signaled the end.)

Synonyms

• Rhythm: A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.
• Meter: The rhythmic structure of a verse or piece of music.
• Intonation: The rise and fall of the voice in speaking.

Related Phrases

• To keep cadence: To maintain a steady rhythm, especially while marching or moving.
  • The drummer helped the rowers keep cadence. (The drummer helped the rowers maintain a steady, synchronized rhythm.)

Related Idioms

• To fall into a cadence: To settle into a regular, rhythmic pattern.
  • After a few minutes of running, my breathing fell into a steady cadence. (My breathing settled into a regular rhythm.)

Noun

1. a recurrent rhythmical series
2. the close of a musical section
3. (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse