1. A change in the form of a word (usually by adding a suffix) to indicate a change in its grammatical function
   "The inflection of 'run' to 'running' changes it from present to present participle";
   - inflexion [Brit]
    
2. The patterns of stress and intonation in a language
   "The poet's mastery of inflection was evident in the rhythm of her verses";
   - prosody
    
3. A manner of speaking in which the loudness, pitch or tone of the voice is modified
   "The speaker's skilful inflection kept the audience engaged";
   - modulation
    
4. Deviation from a straight or normal course
   "The road had a slight inflection to avoid the rocky outcrop";
   - flection, flexion

Derived forms: inflections

Type of: delivery, departure, deviation, difference, divergence, grammatical relation, manner of speaking, speech

Encyclopedia: Inflection