imperfect cadence

noun

1
2
a
: an authentic cadence in which one or both of the final chords are inverted
b
: an authentic cadence in which the highest note of the final chord is the third or fifth compare perfect cadence

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of imperfect cadence was in 1636

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Dictionary Entries Near imperfect cadence

Cite this Entry

“Imperfect cadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperfect%20cadence. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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