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Iamb: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽต
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iamb

 

[ aษชรฆm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

poetic meter

An iamb is a metrical foot commonly used in poetry, consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. It creates a da-DUM rhythm that is characteristic of much English verse, particularly in iambic pentameter. This metrical pattern provides a natural flow to the lines, making them sound melodious and engaging. Iambs are often employed by poets to enhance the emotional intensity and dynamic quality of their work.

Synonyms

iambic foot, metrical foot.

Examples of usage

  • Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
  • The quality of mercy is not strained.
  • To be, or not to be, that is the question.

Translations

Translations of the word "iamb" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น รญambico

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค†เคฏเคพเคฎเฅเคฌเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Iambus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ iamb

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะผะฑ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ jamb

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚คใ‚ขใƒณใƒ–

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท iambique

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ iambo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท iamb

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ด์•”๋ธŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุงู…ุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jamb

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ jamb

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰ฌๅธƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ jamb

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รญamb

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะผะฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒแƒ›แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ iyamb

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ iambo

Etymology

The term 'iamb' originates from the Greek word 'iambos', which referred to a type of meter in poetry, specifically a metrical foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. In ancient Greece, iambic poetry was often associated with satirical and mocking verse, particularly in works by poets like Archilochus. The iambic form became prominent in Latin poetry, influencing various English poets throughout the centuries. Notably, during the Renaissance, the English playwright William Shakespeare popularized iambic pentameter, making it a central feature of his plays and sonnets. The rhythmic structure of the iamb has continued to play a crucial role in shaping English poetic traditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,375, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.