Basic Details
Word: Inflection
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A change in the form of a word to show tense, mood, voice, aspect, person, number, gender, or case.
Synonyms: Modification, alteration
Antonyms: Stagnation, sameness
Idioms and Phrases
- Take on a new inflection: To change the way something is expressed or said. Example: "After learning more about the topic, her opinion took on a new inflection."
- Inflection point: A critical point that marks a change in a situation. Example: "The decision to change schools was an inflection point in his life."
Usage Examples
Example 1: In English, the verb "to be" has several forms, including "am," "is," and "are," which are all examples of inflection.
Example 2: Inflection in language can help us understand whether an action is happening in the past, present, or future.
Example 3: By adding the suffix "-ed," we inflect the verb "walk" to become "walked," showing it happened in the past.
Fun Fact
Did you know that many languages, like Latin and Russian, use more inflections than English? This means that they change the endings of words more frequently to convey meaning.
Famous Quote
"Words are the most powerful drugs used by mankind." Rudyard Kipling - Inflection plays a significant role in how powerful these words can be!
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "inflection" mean?
a) A type of bird
b) A change in the form of a word
c) A season of the year
d) A style of painting
Answer: b) A change in the form of a word
2. Which of these is a synonym of "inflection"?
a) Comparison
b) Modification
c) Definition
d) Observation
Answer: b) Modification
3. Which of these is an antonym of "inflection"?
a) Change
b) Stagnation
c) Variation
d) Development
Answer: b) Stagnation
4. Which sentence uses "inflection" correctly?
a) The inflection of the dog made it bark loudly.
b) Inflection in grammar helps clarify meaning.
c) She wore an inflection at the party.
d) Inflection is a type of fruit.
Answer: b) Inflection in grammar helps clarify meaning.
5. What does "inflection point" mean in a sentence?
a) A place where cars turn
b) A critical moment of change
c) A type of road
d) A medical term
Answer: b) A critical moment of change
