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Chorus

Structure
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 recurring section in a poem or lyrical composition that reinforces theme, mood, or musicality, often echoing like a refrain in song.

Detailed Definition
In poetry, a chorus refers either to a recurring refrain that comments on or frames the main narrative (as in ballads) or to a collective voice representing societal or mythic perspectives; it provides structural rhythm and thematic amplification through repetition and communal address.
Example
Example in poetry:
Chorus: Greek tragedy’s commenting ensemble; In Auden’s “The Sea and the Mirror,” the chorus voices collective doubt; Contemporary: “Chorus: Remember us—we were the ones who stayed” (refrain in documentary poem)
Additional Notes
Group voice in dramatic poetry, commenting on action or expressing communal perspective. Derived from Greek tragedy. Creates multi-vocal dimension. Distinguished from refrain by its dramatic function and varied content.
Also Known As
Refrain Recurring verse Repeated stanza Responsory Burden of song formulaic refrain choir
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