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Brachycatalectic 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 missing two syllables from its expected metrical count, typically from its end; this truncation produces a sharp, unfinished effect, often used in classical verse for ironic or emphatic closure.

Detailed Definition
A brachycatalectic line is a metrical line missing its final syllable, resulting in an abrupt or truncated ending; common in classical quantitative verse, it creates rhythmic tension or emphasis, as in certain iambic trimeters that end on a stressed beat.
Example
Example in poetry:
A brachycatalectic line omits the final syllable, creating abrupt closure; In trochaic tetrameter, “Tyger Tyger, burning bright” is catalectic, not brachycatalectic—correction: true brachycatalexis appears in Greek trimeters; Modern examples: short final beats in rap for punch; This truncation adds rhythmic surprise or tension; Brachycatalectic lines feel cut short, unfinished.
Additional Notes
Verse line shortened by two metrical feet or syllables. Related: brachycatalexis, truncation. See also: catalectic line. Creates rhythmic variation and emphasis through systematic incompletion.
Also Known As
doubly truncated extra-short line
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