I think "cadence" can be used to refer to pitch in speech as well. The dictionary entry here supports that impression:

cadence /ˈkeɪdəns/, cadencyn ( pl -dences, -dencies)


  • the beat or measure of something rhythmic
  • a fall in the pitch of the voice, as at the end of a sentence
  • modulation of the voice; intonation
  • a rhythm or rhythmic construction in verse or prose; measure
  • the close of a musical phrase or section
Let's compare it to the definition of "intonation":

intonation /ˌɪntəʊˈneɪʃən/n

  • the sound pattern of phrases and sentences produced by pitch variation in the voice
  • the act or manner of intoning
  • an intoned, chanted, or monotonous utterance; incantation
  • the opening of a piece of plainsong, sung by a soloist
  • the capacity to play or sing in tune


Clearly "cadence" is more specifically the kind of intonation that happens at the end of sentences, or any downward
modulation in pitch. "Cadence" comes from the Latin verb "cadere,"
meaning "to fall." I would say that a "cadence" specifically names this
one kind of intonation, and then by association can mean "intonation in general."

I would also say that "cadence," to me, has a specific musical meaning
of "pattern of [usually resolving] chords," and I hear that meaning very
strongly when I read the term "cadence" in any context.