Couplet: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old French 'couplet,' meaning 'a pair,' indicating the two lines that form a unit.
• Its roots trace back to the Latin word 'copula,' which means 'to link,' highlighting the connection between the two lines.

Literature

• Couplets have been used by poets since ancient times, with a famous early example found in the work of Geoffrey Chaucer.
• In Shakespeare's plays, couplets often mark the end of a scene or a thought, drawing emphasis to the characters' dialogue.

Music

• Many song lyrics use couplets to create catchy rhymes, making the song easier to remember.
• Famous artists like Bob Dylan and The Beatles often structure their verses in couplet form for lyrical impact.

Rhetoric

• Couplets can be used for persuasion in speeches, where the poet or speaker balances two ideas or themes.
• They are a popular technique in nursery rhymes, helping children with language patterns and memory retention.

Visual Arts

• The visual representation of couplets can be found in calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts, where text is artistically displayed.
• Some modern artists experiment with couplet structures in graphic novels, integrating poetry into visual storytelling.

With rank #18,777, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 18774 murky
• 18775 hypocritical
• 18776 vivacity
• 18777 couplet
• 18778 uncultivated
• 18779 abounded
• 18780 moraine
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