inflect

[ in-flekt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to alter, adapt, or modulate (the voice).
2. to alter or adapt in tone or character: jazz-inflected music.

   the power of storytelling inflected through a feminist sensibility;

   jazz-inflected music.

3. Grammar.
   1. to apply inflection to (a word).
   2. to recite or display all or a distinct set of the inflections of (a word); decline or conjugate.
4. to bend; turn from a direct line or course.
5. Botany. to bend in.

verb (used without object)

1. Grammar. to be characterized by inflection.

inflect

/ ɪnˈflɛkt /

verb

1. grammar to change (the form of a word) or (of a word) to change in form by inflection
2. tr to change (the voice) in tone or pitch; modulate
3. tr to cause to deviate from a straight or normal line or course; bend

Derived Forms

• inˈflective, adjective
• inˈflector, noun
• inˈflectedness, noun

Other Words From

• in·flected·ness noun
• in·flective adjective
• in·flector noun
• nonin·flected adjective
• unin·flected adjective
• unin·flective adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflect¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English inflecten, from Latin inflectere “to bend in,” equivalent to in- in- ² + flectere “to bend, curve”; flex ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflect¹

C15: from Latin inflectere to curve round, alter, from flectere to bend

Example Sentences

I think those things are part of it, but they are inflected naturally.

From Salon

But there’s no denying that his former alter ego Ben Covington inflects his current roles, especially on “Grey’s Anatomy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Families live in stone cottages and customs are dictated by severe Roman Catholic doctrines inflected by pagan superstitiousness.

From New York Times

At the restaurant, waiters announce the arrival of a dish in the inflected style of traditional Peking Opera, declaring, “Delicious fish is coming!”

From New York Times

Some observers, including Fox News host Shannon Bream, have suggested that her speech in Israel, inflected with Trump praise, was part of an audition to be his running mate.

From Salon

Related Words

• announce
• articulate
• assert
• declare
• deliver
• emphasize
• present
• proclaim
• say
• speak
• tell
• utter
• vent