inflection

• 指词形的变化，通常通过添加词缀（如后缀）来标示语法功能，如时态、语态、人称、数、格或性。也泛指语调的抑扬变化或事物的转折点。

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.

   词形变化

   • 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.

   同义词inflexion

2. Patterns of stress and intonationB2formal

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

   语调模式

   • 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.

   同义词cadenceintonationmodulationprosodytonality

3. Deviation from a straight pathC1formal

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

   弯曲

   • 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.

   同义词bendcurvaturecurvedeflectiondeviationflexureturn

   反义词directnessstraightness

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.

   语调

   • 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.

   同义词accentcadencedeliveryemphasisintonationmodulationpitchstresstone