What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
speed
Example
The car was traveling at a high speed on the highway. [speed: noun]
Example
She increased her running speed to finish the race faster. [speed: verb]
Example
The typing speed of the new employee was impressive. [speed: noun]
cadence
Example
The cadence of the poem was soothing and melodic. [cadence: noun]
Example
He adjusted his running cadence to match the beat of the music. [cadence: noun]
Example
The trainer instructed the athletes to maintain a steady cadence during the workout. [cadence: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speed is more commonly used than cadence in everyday language, especially in contexts related to transportation and sports. Cadence is more specialized and tends to be used in more specific contexts, such as music, speech, and writing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between speed and cadence?
Both speed and cadence can be used in formal and informal contexts, but cadence may be perceived as more formal due to its association with music and writing.