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Anacreontic line

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 typically structured as ∪ — ∪ — ∪ ∪ —, imitating the rhythm of Anacreon’s convivial verses

Detailed Definition
An Anacreontic line is a metrical verse form imitating the lyrical style of Anacreon, usually consisting of four or five feet with a light, iambic-anapestic blend that evokes themes of revelry, eroticism, and carpe diem; it became popular in 17th- and 18th-century English poetry for its graceful, songlike quality.
Example
Example in poetry:
An Anacreontic line celebrates love, wine, or revelry in light meter; Moore’s imitation: “Fill the bowl with rosy wine!” follows Anacreon’s hedonistic theme and rhythmic lilt.
Additional Notes
Single line in Anacreontic meter or style. Usually part of larger poem. Related to Anacreontic stanza and ode. Study classical Greek scansion and English stress adaptations for light, celebratory rhythm.
Also Known As
Light anacreontic Short convivial line Wine-song measure Drinking verse line Anacreontic meter
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