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Choriambic hexameter catalectic

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 six-foot choriambic line that omits its final syllable, producing a catalectic, slightly abrupt rhythmic closure.

Detailed Definition
Choriambic hexameter catalectic is a rare classical line of six choriambic feet (/ u u /) with the final syllable omitted, producing a truncated, emphatic close; it combines the grandeur of hexameter with the rhythmic complexity of the choriamb.
Example
Example in poetry:
Choriambic hexameter catalectic omits the final syllable: “Over the mountains, under the stars, through the valleys, beyond the seas, into the dawn, out of th’”
Additional Notes
Six-foot choriambic line with final syllable(s) dropped, creating truncated conclusion. Adds complexity to already elaborate meter. Virtually unused in English. Related to catalectic principles applied to choriambic base.
Also Known As
Truncated choriambic hexameter shortened six-foot choriamb incomplete choriambic hexameter catalectic six-measure
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