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Iambic pentameter hypercatalectic

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

An iambic pentameter line with an extra unstressed syllable at the end

Detailed Definition
Iambic pentameter hypercatalectic describes a line of iambic pentameter with an extra unstressed syllable at the end (eleven syllables total), creating a feminine or “tailed” line that softens closure and enhances lyrical flow, often used in songs or dramatic verse for rhythmic variety.
Example
Example in poetry:
Iambic pentameter hypercatalectic: Iambic pentameter with an extra unstressed syllable: “To be or not to be, that is the question” — the feminine ending adds lyrical softness.
Additional Notes
Five-foot iambic line with extra syllable(s) beyond normal meter. Creates feminine or extended ending. Compare with hypermetric and alexandrine.
Also Known As
overlong pentameter feminine pentameter
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