noun

inflection

in-FLEK-shun/ɪnˈflekʃn/

A change in a word's form to express grammatical information.

In English, inflection changes a noun from singular to plural.

A tabletop grammar demonstration pairs one wooden cat figurine with letter tiles spelling “cat,” and three matching cat figurines with tiles spelling “cats.” The added final s makes the change in word form for grammatical number visible.

Etymology

inLatinin, into

+flectLatinto bend

+ionLatinaction or process

The image of bending inward developed into the broader idea of changing or modifying. In grammar, inflection is a modification of a word’s form to express distinctions such as tense or number.

In context

Lexicon Lounge1:05

But even today we see inflection in how we change verbs to show tense

What Is Inflection In Language History? - Lexicon Lounge

More examples

The change from 'walk' to 'walked' is an inflection.
Irregular inflections turn 'mouse' into 'mice' and 'go' into 'went'.
English uses fewer inflections than Latin.

Forms

inflection · inflections

inflect verb — To change a word's grammatical form.

inflectional adjective — Relating to grammatical changes in word forms.

Similar words

conjugation: Conjugation specifically concerns changes in verb forms for grammatical information.
declension: Declension concerns noun, pronoun, or adjective forms, especially for case.