rhythm

word

/ˈɹɪðəm/
RI-thuhm
/ɹˈɪðəm/
RI-thuhm

Definition

A rhythm is a regular pattern of sounds, movements, or events. It is often used for music and dance, but also for natural patterns like speech, breathing, or daily life.

Usage & Nuances

Most common with music: 'feel the rhythm', 'a fast/slow rhythm'. It also appears in broader phrases like 'sleep rhythm', 'daily rhythm', and 'the rhythm of speech'. Learners may confuse it with 'beat': a 'beat' is one unit in music, while 'rhythm' is the overall pattern.

Example Sentences

This song has a simple rhythm.

basic

The dancers moved to the rhythm of the drums.

basic

After a week, I got used to the rhythm of the village.

basic

Once you find the rhythm, the dance feels much easier.

natural

It took me a while to get back into my work rhythm after the holiday.

natural

Her writing has a calm rhythm that makes it easy to read.

natural