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Adonic single foot

Meter
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A line consisting of a single Adonic foot, creating brevity and sharpness

Detailed Definition
The basic metrical unit of Adonic verse, typically consisting of a dactyl followed by a trochee or spondee in classical prosody, creating a distinctive falling rhythm. This short unit produces a concise, emphatic line often used for conclusions or refrains. The single-foot Adonic creates quick, decisive cadence perfect for punctuating longer passages or providing rhythmic closure. Its brevity and falling pattern make it effective for summative statements or memorable conclusions.
Example
Example in poetry:
The Adonic foot (dactyl + trochee: – u u – x) appears in Greek elegiac poetry; In English, “Heaven’s light” approximates the Adonic single foot rhythm; Rarely used alone, it typically functions within larger strophic forms; Catullus employs it in closing lines for emphatic resolution; Modern attempts, like those by Anne Carson, use it sparingly for archaic resonance.
Additional Notes
Adonic single foot is a misstatement—Adonic is a two-foot line (dactyl + spondee); students should recognize it as a metrical unit, not a single foot.
Also Known As
Adonic monometer One-foot Adonic line Simple Adonis measure
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