noun
cadence
A sequence that brings a musical or poetic phrase to a close.
The pianist ends the phrase with a gentle cadence.
Etymology
The Latin root means to fall. The musical use evokes a phrase settling toward its ending, giving a name to the sequence that brings it to a close.
More examples
- We practice the final cadence until the chords sound settled.
- The hymn pauses on a cadence before the next verse begins.
- A rising cadence leaves the listener expecting the music to continue.
Forms
cadence · cadences
Similar words
- ending
- Any conclusion, without specifying a musical or poetic close.
- resolution
- Resolution releases musical tension; a cadence is a particular phrase-ending sequence.