Catalexis (Noun)
Meaning
The absence of a syllable in the last foot of a line or verse.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- Catalexis is a rhetorical device often used in poetry to create a sense of brevity and finality by omitting a syllable in the last foot of a line or verse.
- A poet may deliberately employ catalexis to alter the meter and emphasize a particular word or phrase in their poem.
- The effective use of catalexis can disrupt the anticipated rhythm and force the reader to pause at the end of a line or verse.
- Catalexis can be observed in various forms of poetry, and it's commonly found in Aeolic verse, where it's used to create a sense of urgency or drama.
- Catalexis can sometimes be confused with aposiopesis, another rhetorical device that also involves an omission, but they serve distinct purposes in poetry and language.