Definition

To change the form of a word to express different grammatical features, such as tense, mood, voice, aspect, person, number, gender, and case.

Example

In English, verbs inflect to show past or present tense.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how verbs can inflect in different tenses?

Yeah, it’s interesting how a single verb can change so much!

Exactly! It makes learning languages a bit tricky but also fun.

For sure! I love spotting how they inflect in different sentences.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To change a word's form to express different grammatical features, such as tense, mood, or number.

Example

In English, we inflect verbs to show past or present tense.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how actors inflect their voices during emotional scenes?

Yeah, it really adds depth to their performances.

I think if we pay attention to how they inflect, we can improve our own speaking skills.

Root Explanation

Inflect is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "flectere" (meaning to bend). The word describes the action of bending or changing the form of a word to express different grammatical features.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bending' ('flectere') a word 'into' ('in-') different forms to remember that 'inflect' means to change or modify a word.

Visually Confused Words