Poetry Elements

a syllable in a line of verse that is either long or short, depending on the context of the poem or the specific metrical pattern being used

the stressed or accented syllable or part of a metrical foot

the rhythmic emphasis or stress placed on a syllable within a metrical foot of verse

The poet adjusted the cadence to maintain the iambic rhythm.

a musical notation symbol indicating a pause or break in the music, often used for dramatic or expressive effect

any of the sections into which a long poem is divided

He plans to write a new canto for his poem that reflects the changing seasons.

two items of the same kind

agreement between the sound or the ending of a word and another word

"Cat" and "hat" are perfect rhymes because they end with the same sound.

a line of verse that ends with a complete pause and a grammatical or logical conclusion, often indicated by punctuation such as a period or comma

the continuation of a sentence or clause beyond the end of a line of verse, without a grammatical pause or conclusion

the body part that is at the end of our leg and we stand and walk on

He traced patterns in the sand with his foot, leaving temporary imprints.

a half-line of verse, either the first or second half of a line, separated by a pause or caesura

a pair of rhymed verses, consisting of ten syllables and five stresses, or an iambic pentameter

a metrical line of poetry consisting of six feet

a metrical foot in poetry consisting of two syllables, the first unstressed and the second stressed

a metrical unit in poetry consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable

a rhyme in poetry that occurs in the middle of a single line of verse

a long narrow mark on a surface

The child scribbled colorful lines on the paper.

the point at which a line of poetry ends and a new line begins, often used by poets to create emphasis, pause, or structure within a poem

a unit of rhythm or meter in poetry, consisting of one stressed syllable and one or more unstressed syllables

a type of rhyme scheme in poetry where rhyming words or syllables appear in unexpected places within a line

a metrical line of poetry consisting of five feet

To understand the rhythm of the poem, she counted the beats in the pentameter.

(phonetics) a subdivision of phonetics dealing with stress and intonation

a poem that has four lines

to resist or hold back from doing or saying something

Despite the urge to argue, she will refrain from responding to the critical comments.

a series of lines in a poem, usually with recurring rhyme scheme and meter

The poem was structured with four stanzas, each following a different theme.

a rhythmic and structural division of a poem consisting of a series of lines arranged together as a unit

a metrical foot in poetry consisting of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable

to stress or single out something as important or noteworthy

In the painting, the artist chose vibrant colors to accent the focal point and create visual interest.

a set of words that usually have a rhythmic pattern

The poet carefully crafted each verse, weaving together words to create a tapestry of emotion and meaning.