Astrological conceit

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

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

An extended metaphor drawing on zodiacal or planetary imagery and symbolism

Detailed Definition
Astrological conceit uses planetary alignments, zodiac signs, or celestial mechanics as extended metaphors for human fate, temperament, or relationships; popular in Renaissance poetry, it blends pseudo-scientific cosmology with emotional drama, as in Donne’s “A Valediction: of My Name in the Window.”
Example
Example in poetry:
Astrological conceit: John Donne’s “A Valediction: Of Weaning” uses an astrological conceit, comparing lovers’ souls to fixed stars whose influence remains constant despite earthly separation.
Additional Notes
Astrological conceit: An extended metaphor linking human affairs to planetary movements or zodiac signs; common in Renaissance metaphysical poetry; blends science, myth, and fate.
Also Known As
Skip to main content