Iamb (Noun)
Meaning
A metrical unit with unstressed-stressed syllables.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The line of poetry consisted of five iambs, creating a rhythmic and soothing effect on the listener.
- The poet carefully structured her verse to include a repeating pattern of iambs throughout the stanza.
- The stressed syllable at the end of each line was emphasized even more by the preceding unstressed syllable, which started each iamb.
- In analyzing the poem's meter, the literary critic focused on the way the iambs combined with the other metrical units to create a unique sound.
- The professor explained how the use of iambs added to the musical quality of the ancient Greek tragedy being studied.