Inflection (Noun)
Meaning 1
A manner of speaking in which the loudness or pitch or tone of the voice is modified.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
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Meaning 2
A change in the form of a word (usually by adding a suffix) to indicate a change in its grammatical function.
Classification
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas.
Examples
- The inflection of the verb "talk" to "talks" is an example of how English indicates a change in grammatical function from singular to plural.
- In linguistics, the study of inflection involves examining the various ways in which words are modified to convey different grammatical meanings.
- The addition of the suffix "-ed" is an inflection of the verb "walk" to "walked", indicating a change in tense from present to past.
- The placement of accents on a word can also be an inflection, as seen in the different pronunciation of "resume" as a noun versus a verb.
- Inflection is essential in language, as it helps to convey grammatical relationships and provide clarity of meaning through changes in word form.
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Meaning 3
The patterns of stress and intonation in a language.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The change in inflection at the end of the sentence turned a statement into a question.
- The actress worked with a dialect coach to master the regional inflection of the character's hometown.
- In linguistics, the study of inflection involves examining how pitch and stress affect meaning in a sentence.
- The politician's tone and inflection were seen as condescending by some audience members.
- A rise in inflection at the end of a sentence can turn a declarative sentence into an interrogative one.
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Meaning 4
Deviation from a straight or normal course.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.