Poet: meaning, definitions and examples

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poet

 

[ ˈpoʊɪt ]

Context #1 | Noun

literature

A poet is a person who writes poetry, which is a form of literary expression. Poets often use language and imagery to evoke emotions, convey meaning, and create beauty through their words. They may explore themes such as love, nature, society, or personal experiences.

Synonyms

bard, rhymer, verse-maker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
poet

A general term for someone who writes poetry. Suitable for formal situations and discussions about literature.

  • William Wordsworth is a famous poet.
  • She aspires to be a renowned poet.
bard

An archaic or literary term often used to refer to poets of historic times, particularly those who performed their works orally.

  • William Shakespeare is often called the Bard of Avon.
  • The bard sang tales of heroism and love.
verse-maker

A less common term that emphasizes the construction of lines of poetry, often used in a descriptive or slightly old-fashioned manner.

  • The young verse-maker read her work at the open mic night.
  • In the past, the village had a renowned verse-maker.
rhymer

Refers to someone who creates poems, especially those with a focus on rhyme. Can be informal or even slightly playful.

  • Dr. Seuss was an excellent rhymer.
  • He's known as a talented rhymer among his friends.

Examples of usage

  • Shelley was a renowned poet of the Romantic era.
  • Emily Dickinson is considered one of the greatest poets in American literature.
  • Maya Angelou was not only a poet but also a civil rights activist.

Translations

Translations of the word "poet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 poeta

🇮🇳 कवि

🇩🇪 Dichter

🇮🇩 penyair

🇺🇦 поет

🇵🇱 poeta

🇯🇵 詩人 (しじん)

🇫🇷 poète

🇪🇸 poeta

🇹🇷 şair

🇰🇷 시인 (siin)

🇸🇦 شاعر

🇨🇿 básník

🇸🇰 básnik

🇨🇳 诗人 (shīrén)

🇸🇮 pesnik

🇮🇸 skáld

🇰🇿 ақын

🇬🇪 პოეტი

🇦🇿 şair

🇲🇽 poeta

Etymology

The word 'poet' has its origins in ancient Greece, where poets were revered as the voice of the gods. The term comes from the Greek word 'poietes', which means 'maker' or 'creator'. Poets have played a significant role in shaping cultures and societies throughout history, with their words often having a lasting impact on the world. From the epic poems of Homer to the sonnets of Shakespeare, poetry has been a powerful medium for expressing human emotions and experiences.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,511, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.