Definition

Adjective 1. Having or characterized by a regular, repeated pattern of sound, movement, or activity; occurring with measured regularity. It describes something that follows a consistent, often pleasing, beat or flow.

Usage and Examples

The adjective "rhythmical" is used to describe actions, sounds, or patterns that exhibit a clear, repeated beat or cadence.

• The poet read his verses in a deep, rhythmical voice.
• The rhythmical sound of the train on the tracks helped her fall asleep.
• Her breathing became slow and rhythmical during meditation.
• The dancers moved in perfect, rhythmical unison.

Advanced Usage

• "Rhythmical prose": This phrase describes written language that has a flowing, musical quality, even though it is not formal poetry. It uses techniques like repetition, parallelism, and varied sentence length to create a sense of rhythm.
  • The author is known for his rhythmical prose, which makes his novels a pleasure to read aloud.

Variants and Related Words

• Rhythmic (adj): This is the more common variant and is fully interchangeable with "rhythmical." There is no difference in meaning.
  • the rhythmic beating of a drum / the rhythmical beating of a drum
• Rhythm (n): The pattern of regular or irregular pulses caused in music, speech, or movement by the occurrence of strong and weak elements.
  • She has a natural sense of rhythm.
• Rhythmically (adv): In a rhythmical manner.
  • The pendulum swung rhythmically.

Synonyms

• Cadenced: Having a rhythmic flow or pattern.
• Metrical: Relating to or composed in poetic meter; having a regular rhythm.
• Pulsing: Expanding and contracting with a rhythmic beat.
• Regular: Arranged or recurring uniformly.

Antonyms

• Arrhythmic: Lacking rhythm or regularity.
• Irregular: Not even or balanced in shape or arrangement; occurring at uneven intervals.
• Unrhythmical: (Less common) Not rhythmical.

Adjective

1. recurring with measured regularity
   • the rhythmic chiming of church bells- John Galsworthy
   • rhythmical prose