rhythm
Definitions
A regular, repeated pattern of beats or sounds, especially in music
节奏，节拍（尤指音乐中规律重复的拍子）
A regularly recurring pattern or cycle of events in nature or life
（自然或生活中事件的）规律节律，周期
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Greek rhythmós, a 'measured flow,' built on rheîn 'to flow.' The Greeks heard the steady, repeating beat of flowing water in music and poetry, so rhythm came to mean any regular, recurring pattern — musical beats, the stresses of speech, even the daily cycle of a circadian rhythm. Spelling note: r-h-y-t-h-m has no ordinary vowel; the y carries the vowel sound.
Root rhythm still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
- Spelling trap: rhythm has no normal vowel letter (r-h-y-t-h-m); the y does the vowel's job, and it ends in -thm. A common memory aid is 'Rhythm Helps Your Two Hips Move.'
- Pronunciation: two syllables, /ˈrɪð.əm/ — the 'th' is voiced (as in 'this'), not as in 'thin.'
- in rhythm / out of rhythm: fixed phrases for being on or off the beat.
- circadian rhythm: a set scientific term for the body's ~24-hour cycle — learn it as a unit.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The drummer kept a steady rhythm throughout the entire song.
- 2.
Dancers move their bodies in rhythm with the music.
- 3.
Working night shifts disrupted his natural sleep rhythm.
- 4.
Once you settle into a daily rhythm, the work feels easier.