What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lilt
Example
The singer's voice had a delightful lilt that made the audience smile. [lilt: noun]
Example
She spoke with a lilt in her voice that was infectious. [lilt: noun]
cadence
Example
The cadence of his voice was soothing and calming. [cadence: noun]
Example
The poem had a beautiful cadence that made it easy to read aloud. [cadence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cadence is more commonly used than lilt in everyday language. Cadence is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while lilt is less common and has a specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lilt and cadence?
Both lilt and cadence are relatively formal words that are more likely to be used in academic or literary contexts than in everyday conversation.