Poem: meaning, definitions and examples

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poem

[ˈpəʊɪm ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

literature

A poem is a piece of writing that expresses emotions, experiences, and ideas in a structured and rhythmic manner. Poems often use literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and imagery to evoke feelings in the reader.

Synonyms

rhyme, sonnet, verse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
poem	A broad term that can refer to any written piece of literature that expresses emotions, ideas, or stories in a structured, often rhythmic and evocative form. She wrote a beautiful poem about the changing seasons The modern poem had a free form style
verse	Can refer to a single line or a section of a poem or any kind of metrical writing. It highlights the structured, often rhythmic aspect of the work. Each verse of the song was carefully written The poet chose a simple verse form to convey her message
rhyme	Typically describes poems or lines where there is a repetition of similar sounds at the end, often used in children's literature or simple, musical poetry. The nursery rhyme made the children smile They used rhyme to create a catchy tune
sonnet	A specific form of poem that has 14 lines and follows a particular rhyme scheme and structure, often used in classic literature and romantic poetry. Shakespeare wrote many famous sonnets The sonnet explored themes of love and time

Examples of usage

Her poem captured the beauty of nature in vivid imagery.
The poet's words in the poem resonated with the audience.
The haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry.
The poem explored themes of love and loss.
In the poem, the poet conveys a sense of nostalgia.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'poem' comes from the Greek 'poiēma,' meaning 'a thing made' or 'a creation.'
Some of the earliest forms of poetry, like epics, were created over 4,000 years ago in ancient cultures such as Mesopotamia.
The tradition of poetry has existed across many civilizations, including ancient Rome and China, helping pass down cultural stories and beliefs.

Literature

Poems can be categorized into various forms, such as sonnets, haikus, and free verse, each with its unique structure and rules.
Some of the most famous poets like Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost are known for their ability to convey deep feelings and observations about nature and life.
Many poems use literary devices like metaphors, similes, and alliteration to create vivid imagery and sound patterns.

Emotion and Psychology

Reading or writing poetry can be a therapeutic activity, helping individuals process their emotions and experiences.
Research suggests that engaging with poetry can enhance empathy and emotional intelligence, as it often evokes a strong emotional response.
Poetry can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing people to articulate complex feelings in a creative way.

Pop Culture

Poetry has broadened its audience through music, with many songs featuring poetic lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
Social media platforms have popularized 'micro-poetry,' where quick and impactful verses are shared in texts or on sites like Instagram.
Contemporary poets like Rupi Kaur and Amanda Gorman have gained fame for bringing forward powerful messages that connect with modern audiences.

Education

Poetry is often introduced in schools as a way to enhance language skills, creativity, and critical thinking.
Writing poems can help children develop their vocabulary and understanding of rhythm and sound in language.
Many educators use poetry to encourage students to explore their identities and express their thoughts on social issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "poem" in other languages:

🇵🇹 poema

🇮🇳 कविता

🇩🇪 Gedicht

🇮🇩 puisi

🇺🇦 вірш

🇵🇱 wiersz

🇯🇵 詩 (し)

🇫🇷 poème

🇪🇸 poema

🇹🇷 şiir

🇰🇷 시 (shi)

🇸🇦 قصيدة

🇨🇿 báseň

🇸🇰 báseň

🇨🇳 诗 (shī)

🇸🇮 pesem

🇮🇸 ljóð

🇰🇿 өлең

🇬🇪 ლექსი

🇦🇿 şe'r

🇲🇽 poema

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,791, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2788 punishment
2789 publications
2790 mechanisms
2791 poem
2792 sheep
2793 tender
2794 accused
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