Caesura: meaning, definitions and examples
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caesura
[sɪˈzjʊərə ]
Definition
poetry structure
A caesura is a rhythmic pause or break within a line of verse. It is often used in poetry to create a dramatic effect or to allow the reader a moment of reflection. This pause can occur at natural speech breaks, such as after a phrase or a clause, adding to the overall rhythm and flow of the poem. The use of caesura can enhance the musicality of the language and emphasize the meaning of certain words or phrases.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The poem's caesura highlighted the emotional weight of the lines.
- In her recitation, she employed caesura to create tension.
- The caesura in the sonnet gave a reflective pause to the reader.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from Latin, where it means 'a cutting' or 'a gap'.
- It is derived from the verb 'caedere', which means 'to cut'.
Literature
- In poetry, a caesura can create a dramatic effect, allowing the reader to pause and reflect on what's been said.
- Famous poets like Shakespeare and Milton often used caesura to enhance the rhythm and flow of their verses.
Music
- In music, a caesura is often represented with a double slash (//), indicating a pause for effect before the next phrase.
- It can add emotional weight to a musical piece, creating moments of tension and release.
Performance Arts
- Actors and performers often use caesura for dramatic pauses in their dialogues to emphasize important lines.
- This technique can draw the audience into the performance, making them pay closer attention.
Psychology
- Pausing, like in a caesura, can help listeners process information and retain more details.
- In conversation, purposeful pauses can convey confidence and encourage others to engage more thoughtfully.
Translations
Translations of the word "caesura" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cesura
🇮🇳 विरामचिन्ह
🇩🇪 Zäsur
🇮🇩 caesura
🇺🇦 цезура
🇵🇱 cezura
🇯🇵 切れ目
🇫🇷 césure
🇪🇸 cesura
🇹🇷 cesura
🇰🇷 중단
🇸🇦 فصل
🇨🇿 cezura
🇸🇰 cezúra
🇨🇳 停顿
🇸🇮 cezura
🇮🇸 cezúra
🇰🇿 цезура
🇬🇪 ცეზურა
🇦🇿 cəsura
🇲🇽 cesura