Acatalectic pentameter refers to a metrical line of five poetic feet (typically iambic) that is complete and untruncated, ending precisely on the expected final syllable without omission; unlike catalectic lines, which are metrically incomplete by one or more syllables, acatalectic pentameter maintains full rhythmic integrity, as exemplified in Shakespeare’s blank verse (“To be, or not to be: that is the question”), where each iambic pentameter line adheres strictly to ten syllables with no truncation, preserving the natural cadence and formal symmetry essential to classical English dramatic and narrative poetry.

Five-foot line with complete final foot. Most pentameter is acatalectic (blank verse, heroic couplets). Specify only when contrasting with catalectic variation or in technical analysis.