cadence
Meaning: The rise and fall of the voice in speech, or the rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words. In music, a sequence of chords that brings a phrase or piece to a close.
Cadence is a word that appeals to writers because it bridges music, speech, and prose style. Literary critics praise the cadence of fine writing — the rhythm and pacing that make sentences feel natural or musical. In speech, cadence refers to intonation patterns that can identify regional origin or emotional state. In music, it has a precise technical meaning: a harmonic resolution, typically at the end of a phrase.
Examples
- There was a musical cadence to her speech that betrayed her Welsh upbringing. 她说话的语调有一种音乐般的韵律,暴露了她的威尔士成长背景。Había una cadencia musical en su habla que delataba su crianza galesa.彼女の話し方にはウェールズ育ちを物語る音楽的な抑揚があった。그녀의 말투에는 웨일스에서 자란 배경을 드러내는 음악적인 억양이 있었다.
- The cadence of his prose owed much to the King James Bible, with its measured clauses and balanced rhythms. 他的散文韵律深受钦定版圣经的影响,具有那种沉稳的从句和均衡的节奏。La cadencia de su prosa debía mucho a la Biblia del Rey Jacobo, con sus cláusulas mesuradas y sus ritmos equilibrados.彼の散文のリズムは、その均整の取れた節と調和の取れたリズムにおいて、欽定訳聖書に多くを負っていた。그의 산문의 운율은 균형 잡힌 절과 조화로운 리듬에서 흠정역 성경에 많은 빚을 지고 있었다.
- The orchestra resolved the tension with a perfect cadence that brought the symphony to a satisfying close. 管弦乐队以一个完美的终止式解决了紧张感,为交响曲画上了令人满意的句号。La orquesta resolvió la tensión con una cadencia perfecta que condujo la sinfonía a un cierre satisfactorio.オーケストラは完全終止で緊張を解消し、交響曲を満足のいく形で締めくくった。오케스트라는 완전종지로 긴장을 해소하며 교향곡을 만족스럽게 마무리했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, journalism
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Italian cadenza, from Latin cadentia (a falling), from cadere (to fall). Entered English in the 14th century via Old French cadence, initially referring to the rhythm of verse.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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