apophonia

/æpəˈfoʊniə/

Definitions

1. noun

A rare or obsolete word for a sudden, involuntary change in the voice, especially a change in pitch.

“The doctor explained that the patient’s apophonia was a symptom of her underlying neurological condition.”

2. noun

A term used in rhetoric to describe a sudden shift in tone or style in speech or writing.

“The orator’s apophonia added drama and emphasis to her impassioned speech.”

Synonyms

  • cadence
  • cadency
  • inflection

Antonyms

  • monotony