inflection

• Modification de la forme d'un mot, généralement par l'ajout d'un affixe, pour indiquer sa fonction grammaticale comme le temps, le mode, la personne, le nombre, le cas ou le genre. Peut aussi désigner une variation de la hauteur de la voix ou une déviation d'une courbe.

A noun referring to a change in the form of a word, typically by adding a suffix, to indicate a grammatical function such as tense, mood, person, number, case, or gender.

1. Grammatical change in word formB2formal

   A modification of a word (typically by adding an affix) to express grammatical features such as tense, mood, person, number, case, or gender.

   Flexion grammaticale

   • In English, the verb 'walk' shows inflection for past tense as 'walked'.
   • Latin nouns have many inflections to indicate their case.
   • The inflection of adjectives in German depends on the gender of the noun.

   Synonymesinflexion

2. Patterns of stress and intonationB2formal

   The system of pitch, stress, and rhythm patterns in a spoken language that can affect meaning or emotion.

   Prosodie

   • Rising inflection at the end of a sentence often indicates a question.
   • Her inflection made the statement sound sarcastic.
   • Learning the correct inflection is crucial for sounding natural in a new language.

   Synonymescadenceintonationmodulationprosodytonality

3. Deviation from a straight pathC1formal

   A curve or bend in a line, surface, or path; a departure from a direct or straight course.

   Inflexion (courbure)

   • The road takes a sharp inflection to the left.
   • The graph shows an inflection point where the curve changes direction.
   • The river's inflection created a natural boundary.

   Synonymesbendcurvaturecurvedeflectiondeviationflexureturn

   Antonymesdirectnessstraightness

4. Modulation of the voiceB2formal

   A change in the pitch, tone, or loudness of the voice while speaking, often used to convey emotion or emphasis.

   Modulation de la voix

   • He spoke with a gentle inflection that calmed everyone.
   • Her voice had a questioning inflection at the end of the sentence.
   • The actor used a dramatic inflection to express anger.

   Synonymesaccentcadencedeliveryemphasisintonationmodulationpitchstresstone