What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cadence
Example
The poet read her poem with a beautiful cadence, capturing the audience's attention. [cadence: noun]
Example
His speech had a natural cadence that made it easy to listen to. [cadence: adjective]
intonation
Example
Her intonation rose at the end of the sentence, indicating a question. [intonation: noun]
Example
He spoke with a sarcastic intonation, making it clear he was not being sincere. [intonation: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intonation is more commonly used than cadence in everyday language. Intonation is a fundamental aspect of speech that helps convey meaning and emotions, while cadence is more specialized and often used in specific contexts such as poetry or music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cadence and intonation?
Both cadence and intonation can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cadence may be considered more formal when used in the context of analyzing poetry or music, while intonation is more commonly used in everyday conversations.
