cadence
5 synonyms for cadence, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A rhythmic flow or beat, especially in speech, music, or movement.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cadence
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a steady cadence
rhythmic cadence
pedal cadence
Etymology
Via Middle French cadence from Old Italian cadenza ("a falling"), from Latin cadere, "to fall" — the same root behind "cadenza" and "chance."
Full origin of cadence →Frequently asked questions
What does “cadence” mean?
The word “cadence” means a rhythmic flow or beat, especially in speech, music, or movement. In plain terms, a rhythmic pattern — in speech, music, running, or cycling.
How do you pronounce “cadence”?
“Cadence” is pronounced KAY-duhns (/ˈkeɪ̯dəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “cadence” in a sentence?
Here is “cadence” used in a sentence: “The poet read with a slow, deliberate cadence.”
What part of speech is “cadence”?
“Cadence” is a noun.
Where does the word “cadence” come from?
The word “cadence” comes from Latin. Via Middle French cadence from Old Italian cadenza ("a falling"), from Latin cadere, "to fall" — the same root behind "cadenza" and "chance.".
How many meanings does “cadence” have?
“Cadence” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rhythmic flow or beat, especially in speech, music, or movement.
Related words
Tierce de Picardie
cadaver
