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Brachycatalectic

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 metrical line missing two syllables from its expected pattern, usually from the end; it creates an abrupt, incomplete, or broken rhythm, often used for surprise, emphasis, or laconic effect.

Detailed Definition
Brachycatalectic describes a metrical line that is catalectic (missing a final syllable) and also shortened by one additional syllable, resulting in a markedly truncated rhythm; common in classical Greek and Latin verse, this extreme brevity creates abruptness or emphasis, as in the final line of a Sapphic stanza, where the sudden curtailment heightens emotional or rhythmic impact.
Example
Example in poetry:
Brachycatalectic describes a line missing its final syllable; example: a trochaic tetrameter reduced to seven syllables: “Tiger, tiger, burning bright” (normally eight).
Additional Notes
Line missing two syllables from expected meter's end. More truncated than catalectic (one syllable short). Related: catalexis, truncation. Technical term useful for scansion; creates abrupt, emphatic line endings.
Also Known As
Double catalectic doubly deficient
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