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Verse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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verse

[vərs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

literature

A verse is a single metrical line in a poetic composition. It can also refer to a stanza or a group of lines in a poem. Verses are often characterized by rhyme and rhythm.

Synonyms

line, stanza, strophe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
verse

Use when referring to biblical writing, specifically a segment or passage.

  • She quoted a verse from the Bible during her speech.
  • He recited a verse that gave him hope.
line

Use when referring to a single row of words in a poem or song.

  • The poet's favorite line in the poem was 'To be, or not to be'.
  • He remembered every line of the song.
stanza

Use when referring to a group of lines in a poem, often separated by a space.

  • The second stanza of the poem describes the beauty of nature.
  • Please read the first stanza of the poem aloud.
strophe

Use when referring to a section of a poem, typically in classical literature, distinct from antistrophe.

  • The strophe of the poem set the stage for the dramatic events to follow.
  • In ancient Greek poetry, the strophe often indicates the turning point of the poem.

Examples of usage

  • She recited a beautiful verse from Shakespeare's sonnets.
  • The poem consists of four verses describing nature's beauty.
Context #2 | Noun

music

In music, a verse is a section of a song that is followed by a chorus. It usually contains the story or main message of the song.

Synonyms

passage, section, segment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
verse

Commonly used in poetry, songs, and religious texts such as the Bible. 'Verse' refers to a single line or a specific part of a longer piece.

  • She recited a beautiful verse from her favorite poem.
  • The first verse of the song is very catchy.
section

Used to describe a larger division within a text, report, document, or book. It generally refers to a substantial part that can stand on its own.

  • Please read section three before our meeting tomorrow.
  • The safety section of the manual is very detailed.
segment

Applicable in various contexts such as written work, media, or presentations. 'Segment' refers to a distinct part that can be separated from the whole.

  • This TV show has a segment dedicated to cooking.
  • We need to revise the first segment of the project.
passage

Often used in literature and articles, 'passage' refers to a relatively short part of a written work, such as a paragraph or a few sentences.

  • He read a moving passage from his novel during the book signing.
  • We analyzed a passage from the article for the test.

Examples of usage

  • The verse of the song sets the scene for the chorus to come in.
  • The lyrics of the verse are deep and introspective.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Throughout history, poetry has evolved, with forms like sonnets, haikus, and free verse that showcase creativity in writing.
  • Famous poets, like Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson, often relied on verse to present their thoughts and emotions vividly.
  • Verse can also be found in sacred texts, such as the Bible and the Quran, where it is used to convey deep spiritual meanings.

Music

  • In songs, the verse is a repetition of lyrics that sets the stage for the chorus, helping to tell a story.
  • Many legendary musicians, from Bob Dylan to Taylor Swift, emphasize the importance of strong verses to connect with their audience.
  • Hip hop artists often showcase their lyrical skills through intricate verses, using rhythm and rhyme to engage listeners.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people may remember information better when it's put into a rhythmic verse compared to plain prose.
  • The emotional impact of verses in poetry or songs can evoke powerful feelings, influencing mood and memory.
  • Using verses for learning can enhance creativity, enabling individuals to express themselves and engage with content deeply.

Pop Culture

  • Verses have become a popular form of expression in social media, with users sharing their poetry and lyrical thoughts widely.
  • Contemporary artists often mix spoken word poetry with music genres, creating unique blends of verse that resonate with diverse audiences.
  • TV shows and films frequently employ verses, either through character monologues or musical performances, to highlight emotional moments.

Origin of 'verse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'versus', meaning 'a turning' or 'to turn', which relates to how the lines of poetry turn ideas into feeling.
  • In Old French, 'vers' referred to a line of poetry, showing a long history connected to writing and storytelling.
  • The concept of verse dates back to ancient civilizations, where written forms were used to convey emotions and human experiences.

The word 'verse' has its origins in Middle English, from the Old French word 'vers', which comes from the Latin 'versus' meaning 'a line of writing or metrical composition'. The use of 'verse' in the context of poetry dates back to the 14th century, while its musical meaning emerged in the 19th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,542, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.