inflect

verb

in·​flect in-ˈflekt 

inflected; inflecting; inflects

transitive verb

1

: to vary (a word) by inflection : decline, conjugate

2

: to change or vary the pitch of

inflect one's voice

3

: to affect or alter noticeably : influence

an approach inflected by feminism

4

: to turn from a direct line or course : curve

intransitive verb

: to become modified by inflection

inflectable

in-ˈflek-tə-bəl 

adjective

inflective

in-ˈflek-tiv 

adjective

Examples of inflect in a Sentence

Most nouns in English are inflected for plural use by adding “-s” or “-es.”

Most nouns in English inflect for plural use by adding “-s” or “-es.”

Most adjectives in English do not inflect for gender or number.

Recent Examples on the Web

The group's signature twinkling guitars still dance on their tiptoes, and frontman Ezra Koenig still inflects plenty of lyrical sincerity into the proceedings. —Jason Lamphier, EW.com, 14 July 2024

The drinks menu is a combination of refreshed classics, sometimes inflected with Mediterranean flavor: a Jerez Fizz stars PX sherry and Jerez brandy. —Sunset Magazine, 24 June 2024

Contrary to recent interpretations of Zionism inflected with religious and messianic flavors, Leibowitz challenged the notion that the Jewish people have a divine right to the land of Israel. —Moti Mizrahi, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2023

Fortnight, Canadian experimental filmmaker Matthew Rankin’s latest drama presents a surreal Winnipeg inflected with Persian culture and language. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inflectere, from in- + flectere to bend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

Kids Definition

inflect

verb

in·​flect in-ˈflekt 

1

: to change a word by inflection

2

: to change the pitch of the voice