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hypermetric ending

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 conclusion of a verse line with more syllables than the regular metrical pattern allows

Detailed Definition
Hypermetric ending is a line-final addition of one or more unstressed syllables beyond the expected metrical count, commonly a feminine ending in iambic verse (e.g., eleven syllables in pentameter); this subtle extension softens closure, mimics natural speech cadence, and allows syntactic fluidity, as in Shakespeare’s frequent use of “-ing” or “-ed” endings to sustain momentum across enjambment while preserving rhythmic identity.
Example
Example in poetry:
In Homer’s hexameter, hypermetric endings add syllables beyond the sixth foot for emphasis; Virgil’s Aeneid uses hypermetric endings in emotional climaxes; Longfellow’s “Evangeline” employs hypermetric endings like “hemlocks” after six feet; Anne Carson’s “Autobiography of Red” uses hypermetric endings to disrupt classical rhythm; Derek Walcott’s “Omeros” adds Creole phrases as hypermetric endings; Contemporary poet A.E. Stallings uses hypermetric endings in “Sestina: Like” for colloquial surprise.
Additional Notes
hypermetric ending|meter|Extra syllables at line end subtly adjusting rhythm and emphasis. Mild enjambment effect; practical hint: employ for natural speech feel; contrast strict meter for variation.
Also Known As
Extended line Overlong close Surplus syllable ending Metrical overflow Feminine ending
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