Definition of inflect
transitive verb
1 : to turn from a direct line or course : curve
2 : to vary (a word) by inflection : decline, conjugate
3 : to change or vary the pitch of inflect one's voice
4 : to affect or alter noticeably : influence an approach inflected by feminism
intransitive verb
: to become modified by inflection
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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 of inflect from the Web
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His work is often inflected with a tone of crass, satirical bigotry that leaves him just enough room to declare it all a joke.
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Mark Webber goes on in his friendly Australian way as do some of the others, inflecting their individual nationalities.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inflect'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of inflect
Middle English, from Latin inflectere, from in- + flectere to bend
First Known Use: 15th century
INFLECT Defined for English Language Learners
inflect
playDefinition of inflect for English Language Learners
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grammar : to change the form of a word when using it in a particular way
INFLECT Defined for Kids
inflect
playDefinition of inflect for Students
inflected
;inflecting
1 : to change a word by inflection
2 : to change the pitch of the voice
Learn More about inflect
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See words that rhyme with inflect Spanish Central: Translation of inflect Nglish: Translation of inflect for Spanish speakers
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