inflect

verb

in·​flect in-ˈflekt How to pronounce inflect (audio)
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 adjective
inflective 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Jim also highlighted Amazon’s Europe business, which is inflecting after being bogged down by the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 The underlying fruits are tropical inflected in this blend of Rhone grapes, and there’s a creamy aspect before leading to the clean, lively. Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Here even the simplest daily routines are inflected with loss. Sophie Neiman, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Oct. 2024 Recognizing the Signs Spotting an administrative narcissists early is crucial to stop the chaos and harm this individual inflects in the workplace. Jason Walker, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflect 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflect was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near inflect

Cite this Entry

“Inflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflect. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

inflect

verb
in·​flect in-ˈflekt How to pronounce inflect (audio)
1
: to change a word by inflection
2
: to change the pitch of the voice

More from Merriam-Webster on inflect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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