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Pentameter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pentameter

[pɛnˈtæmɪtər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

poetic meter

Pentameter is a type of poetic meter that consists of a line containing five metrical feet. In English poetry, it is commonly used in iambic pentameter, where each foot is an iamb, or a metrical unit with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. The arrangement creates a rhythmic structure that enhances the musical quality of the verse. Pentameter is often associated with verse forms such as sonnets and dramatic poetry, providing both moral and emotional depth to the text.

Synonyms

meter, rhythm, verse form.

Examples of usage

  • The poet wrote in iambic pentameter.
  • Shakespeare often used pentameter in his plays.
  • The line flowed beautifully in perfect pentameter.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Iambic pentameter, a popular form, consists of lines with alternating unstressed and stressed syllables.
  • Many famous poems and plays, including Shakespeare's sonnets, are written in this rhythmic structure, making them memorable and expressive.
  • Milton's 'Paradise Lost' is a notable epic poem composed in blank verse, which typically uses pentameter.

Music

  • In music, similar rhythmic patterns can create a sense of flow and structure in compositions, much like the way pentameter does in poetry.
  • Some song lyrics also mirror poetic pentameter, enhancing their lyrical quality.

Psychology

  • Rhythmic patterns, like those found in pentameter, can evoke emotional responses and aid in memory retention.
  • Engaging poetry may activate brain regions associated with pleasure and reward, making it enjoyable to read and memorize.

Cultural Influence

  • Different cultures have their own variations of poetic meters, reflecting unique artistic traditions and narratives.
  • Exploring pentameter across languages can reveal how various societies value rhythm and sound in their literary forms.

Origin of 'pentameter'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'penta', meaning five, and 'meter', meaning measure.
  • It has been used in English poetry since the 14th century, getting more popular in the works of Shakespeare and Milton.

The term 'pentameter' originates from the Greek word 'pentametrus', which means 'having five measures'. It is derived from 'penta-', meaning 'five', and 'metron', meaning 'measure' or 'meter'. This poetic structure has its roots in ancient Greek and Latin poetry, where meter played a crucial role in the composition and auditory experience of poetry. The use of five feet in a line was established in classical poetry and was adopted and adapted by later poets. In English literature, the most famous application of pentameter is the iambic pentameter, which became prominent during the Renaissance, especially in the works of playwrights like William Shakespeare and poets such as John Milton. Over time, pentameter has evolved, influencing various poetic forms and styles across different languages and cultures.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,134 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.