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Pentameter: meaning, definitions and examples

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pentameter

 

[ pɛnˈtæmɪtər ]

Noun
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

Translations of the word "pentameter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pentâmetro

🇮🇳 पेंटामीटर

🇩🇪 Pentameter

🇮🇩 pentameter

🇺🇦 пентаметр

🇵🇱 pentametr

🇯🇵 ペンタメーター

🇫🇷 pentamètre

🇪🇸 pentámetro

🇹🇷 pentametre

🇰🇷 펜타미터

🇸🇦 بنتامتر

🇨🇿 pentametr

🇸🇰 pentameter

🇨🇳 五音步

🇸🇮 pentameter

🇮🇸 pentameter

🇰🇿 пентаметр

🇬🇪 პენტამეტრი

🇦🇿 pentametr

🇲🇽 pentámetro

Etymology

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.