cadence
/ˈkeɪdəns/
NOUN
1. A balanced, rhythmic flow or regular pattern of movement
A measured and repeated rhythm, beat, or sequence of movements, especially one that gives actions a regular pace or coordinated flow.
1.1. Rhythm and regular sequence of movement
A recurring pattern or measured flow of movements, beats, or actions that creates a sense of rhythm and regularity.
Synonyms
Examples
- The rhythmic cadence of footsteps echoed through the quiet forest.
- The dancer maintained a graceful cadence throughout the performance.
- The workers developed a steady cadence as they repeated their daily tasks.
Related Words
1.2. Running or cycling rate
The frequency of repetitive movements during physical activity, particularly the number of steps a runner takes per minute or the number of pedal revolutions a cyclist makes per minute.
Synonyms
- step rate
- stride rate
- pedaling rate
- pedal rate
- revolutions per minute
Examples
- The runner increased her cadence to improve her running efficiency.
- Cyclists monitor their cadence to maintain an effective pedaling rhythm.
- A consistent running cadence can help an athlete maintain a steady pace.
Related Words
- running
- cycling
- footfall
- stride
- pedaling
- RPM
- speed
- endurance
1.3. Rhythmic movement in horseback riding
The harmonious rhythm, balance, and coordination of a horse's movements while walking, trotting, or performing other gaits.
Synonyms
Examples
- The horse moved with an elegant cadence during the dressage demonstration.
- The rider worked to maintain the horse's natural cadence throughout the exercise.
Related Words
- gait
- stride
- movement
- equilibrium
- coordination
- horseback riding
NOUN
2. The rhythm, tone, or inflection of a voice
The distinctive modulation, rise and fall, or rhythmic pattern of the human voice, especially the way speech sounds flow and conclude.
2.1. Voice modulation and intonation
The characteristic pattern of changes in pitch, tone, emphasis, and rhythm that gives spoken language its distinctive sound.
Synonyms
- intonation
- inflection
- modulation
- lilt
- tone
- accent
Examples
- The speaker's gentle cadence made the presentation pleasant to listen to.
- Her regional cadence was immediately recognizable to everyone in the room.
- The poet read the verses with a musical cadence that emphasized their emotional meaning.
Related Words
- prosody
- pitch
- stress
- emphasis
- articulation
- pronunciation
- enunciation
2.2. Falling inflection at the end of speech
A downward change in a speaker's voice, particularly at the end of a sentence or phrase, often signaling completion or certainty.
Synonyms
- falling inflection
- intonation
- voice modulation
- vocal inflection
Examples
- The lecturer ended each statement with a firm cadence.
- Her voice had a distinctive falling cadence that made her speech sound authoritative.
Related Words
- pitch
- tone
- prosody
- sentence stress
- rising intonation
- vocal delivery
NOUN
3. A harmonic progression that concludes a musical passage
A sequence of musical chords that brings a phrase, section, or composition to a point of rest or resolution.
3.1. Musical chord progression and resolution
A harmonic sequence, usually involving two or more chords, that creates a sense of musical closure or prepares the transition into another passage.
Synonyms
- harmonic progression
- chord progression
- harmonic close
- musical close
Examples
- The composer ended the movement with a powerful cadence.
- The final cadence gave the musical passage a satisfying sense of resolution.
- The choir practiced the harmonic progression until every cadence sounded precise.
Related Words
- tonic
- dominant
- subdominant
- resolution
- harmony
- chord
- musical phrase
3.2. Closing musical embellishment
A decorative or improvised musical passage near the end of a phrase or section, sometimes involving an expressive flourish before the final resolution.
Synonyms
- cadenza
- closing flourish
- embellishment
- ornamentation
Examples
- The pianist added an elaborate cadenza before the final cadence.
- The performer used a brief musical embellishment to lead into the closing passage.
Related Words
- virtuosity
- improvisation
- flourish
- musical ornament
- solo passage
NOUN
4. A rhythmic chant used during marching or running
A rhythmic call or chant sung by military personnel while marching or running to coordinate movement and maintain a steady pace.
4.1. Military marching chant
A repeated rhythmic chant or call-and-response song used by soldiers during physical training, running, or marching.
Synonyms
- jody call
- military chant
- marching chant
- marching song
Examples
- The recruits sang a military cadence as they ran around the training ground.
- The instructor taught the soldiers a traditional jody call to accompany their march.
Related Words
- march
- cadence call
- drill
- military training
- call and response
- marching rhythm
NOUN
5. A dance movement that concludes a phrase
A specific dance step or movement that marks the end of a musical or choreographic phrase.
5.1. Closing dance movement
A concluding movement or step in a dance sequence that completes a phrase or rhythmic pattern.
Synonyms
- closing step
- final movement
- dance figure
Examples
- The dancer finished the sequence with a graceful cadence.
- Each musical phrase ended with a carefully executed dance movement.
Related Words
- choreography
- dance phrase
- step
- sequence
- movement
- rhythm
NOUN
6. The act or state of declining or sinking
A downward movement, decline, or gradual decrease in position, condition, or level.
6.1. Downward movement or decline
A process or condition involving a gradual fall, decrease, or deterioration.
Synonyms
- decline
- descent
- fall
- decrease
- deterioration
- downturn
Antonyms
- rise
- increase
- ascent
- improvement
- upswing
Examples
- The historical account described the gradual decline of the once-powerful empire.
- The region experienced a steady downturn in economic activity.
Related Words
- recession
- regression
- diminution
- reduction
- sinking
- deterioration
VERB
7. To give a rhythmic or structured form to something
To arrange, organize, or shape something according to a particular rhythm, sequence, or pattern.
7.1. Giving rhythm or musical structure
To provide a musical passage, performance, or sequence with a particular rhythm, flow, or harmonic structure.
Synonyms
Examples
- The composer cadenced the passage with a gentle harmonic progression.
- The musician cadenced the melody to create a more satisfying conclusion.
Related Words
- compose
- orchestrate
- harmonize
- pace
- sequence
- modulate
7.2. Giving structure or regular sequence to actions
To organize activities, events, or movements into a deliberate and consistent sequence or rhythm.
Synonyms
Examples
- The coach cadenced the training exercises to maintain a consistent pace.
- The instructor cadenced the movements so that the entire group could work together.
Related Words
- coordinate
- schedule
- systematize
- regulate
- plan
- standardize