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Verse: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "verse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 verso

🇮🇳 श्लोक

🇩🇪 Vers

🇮🇩 ayat

🇺🇦 вірш

🇵🇱 wers

🇯🇵 詩句

🇫🇷 vers

🇪🇸 verso

🇹🇷 mısra

🇰🇷 구절

🇸🇦 بيت شعر

🇨🇿 verš

🇸🇰 verš

🇨🇳 诗句

🇸🇮 verz

🇮🇸 kvæði

🇰🇿 шумақ

🇬🇪 სტრიქონი

🇦🇿 misra

🇲🇽 verso

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.