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balanced 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

Metrical patterns with symmetrical or evenly distributed stresses

Detailed Definition
Metrical patterns characterized by symmetrical or evenly distributed stress patterns, creating rhythmic equilibrium across lines or stanzas. Distinguished from free verse by its regular pattern but more complex than simple uniform meters, balanced meter may be achieved through consistent foot substitution or careful distribution of metrical variations that maintain overall rhythmic stability and proportion throughout the poem.
Example
Example in poetry:
Iambic pentameter maintains equal stress distribution; Alternating stressed and unstressed syllables in even patterns; Trochaic tetrameter with consistent foot weight throughout
Additional Notes
Distinguished from free verse by its regular pattern, but more complex than simple meters. Often created through consistent foot substitution or mixed-meter patterns that maintain overall balance.
Also Known As
Symmetric meter Equilibrium rhythm Proportional measure Equipollent meter Symmetrical measure Proportional rhythm
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