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complete dimeter

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 dimeter line containing two complete metrical feet without truncation, omission, or substitution, preserving full rhythmic integrity.

Detailed Definition
Complete dimeter refers to a two-foot metrical line that contains all expected syllables without truncation or catalexis. This full dimeter maintains the integrity of both metrical feet, providing a stable, regular rhythmic pattern that serves as a baseline for more complex metrical variations.
Example
Example in poetry:
Full dimeter line with both feet metrically intact; Two-foot line with complete metrical pattern; Verse line containing exactly four syllables in iambic dimeter; "Some go local" from Rukeyser's "Yes" demonstrates complete dimeter
Additional Notes
A full two-foot line with all syllables present, maintaining the standard dimeter pattern. Creates a brisk, marching rhythm ideal for chants or refrains. Contrast with truncated dimeter which may feel abrupt. Use for emphasis or rapid pacing. Scan carefully to ensure both feet are distinct. Common in nursery rhymes and folk songs. Effective for creating momentum in short lyrical bursts. Study traditional ballads for natural examples of this compact meter.
Also Known As
Full two-foot line Complete binary meter Whole dimeter Dimeter acatalectic Full two-foot iambic Full two-beat iamb Untruncated dimeter
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