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Alcaic meter

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 classical quantitative meter developed by the Greek poet Alcaeus, typically composed of four-line stanzas with varied syllabic patterns.

Detailed Definition
Alcaic meter is a classical Greek metrical system invented by the lyric poet Alcaeus of Mytilene, characterized by complex arrangements of long and short syllables in four-line stanzas. The meter combines various metrical feet including trochees, dactyls, and spondees in prescribed patterns. Extensively adopted by Latin poets, particularly Horace, Alcaic meter became synonymous with elevated lyric poetry addressing themes of morality, politics, and personal reflection.
Example
Example in poetry:
Alcaic meter combines four lines: two long, a shorter, and a brief closing line; Horace perfected it for personal, reflective odes; In English, translators approximate it with stress-based rhythms; Swinburne’s “Hendecasyllabics” adapts Alcaic contours for English lyricism; The meter balances stately grandeur with intimate address.
Additional Notes
Alcaic meter (or Alcaics) is a quantitative meter used in classical Greek and Latin poetry, most famously by the poet Alcaeus of Mytilene; it's defined by the structure of the Alcaic strophe (a four-line unit).
Also Known As
Alcaic rhythm Alcaic scansion Horatian Alcaic meter Alcaic stanza Greek lyric form
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