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incomplete meter line

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 lacking one or more expected syllables, creating truncation or catalexis for rhythmic effect.

Detailed Definition
An incomplete meter line is a metrical line in poetry that lacks one or more expected syllables or feet according to the established metrical pattern of the poem; this deliberate truncation often creates rhythmic tension, emphasizes a pause, or signals a shift in tone or thought, as seen in catalectic lines in classical or modern verse where the final foot is omitted for expressive effect.
Example
Example in poetry:
“The moon— /” (unfinished pentameter line); “If only—” left incomplete; Shakespearean fragment “That thou—” in draft; An epic fragment ending mid-metrical line due to loss of text
Additional Notes
A line of verse that is shorter than the established meter of the poem, often by one or more syllables; this metrical abbreviation can be used to signal a conclusion or a sudden break in thought.
Also Known As
broken meter line truncated metrical unit incomplete verse line Catalectic line
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