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doubly deficient

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 final syllables, creating a truncated, abrupt ending that defies metrical norm for expressive effect.

Detailed Definition
Doubly deficient describes a metrical line that lacks two syllables from its expected full form, often at the end, resulting in a markedly abbreviated rhythm; this extreme truncation can signal emotional extremity, haste, or formal experimentation, pushing the boundaries of traditional prosody for expressive effect.
Example
Example in poetry:
In Greek metrics, doubly deficient lines lack two expected syllables; Latin dramatic verse uses doubly deficient lines for emotional urgency; Ben Jonson’s lyrics occasionally feature doubly deficient endings; Doubly deficient lines appear in medieval sequence hymns; Modern poets like Robert Graves use doubly deficient lines to subvert expectation.
Additional Notes
doubly deficient: A metrical term for a line that is missing two syllables, often resulting in a severe or intentional shortening of the expected length.
Also Known As
Twice deficient Doubly lacking Double omission Dual absence Brachycatalectic
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