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metrical Bacchic change

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 substitution involving Bacchic feet (stressed-unstressed-unstressed) to alter rhythmic texture or pace.

Detailed Definition
Metrical Bacchic change involves substituting a standard foot with a bacchic (long-short-short) unit in an otherwise regular line, introducing rhythmic variation; though rare in English, this classical substitution can signal emotional intensity or formal playfulness.
Example
Example in poetry:
Substituting a dactyl (DUM-da-da) or an anapest (da-da-DUM) for the normal iamb (da-DUM) in an iambic line; Replacing a primary foot with a spondee (DUM-DUM) for emphasis, as a deliberate Bacchic-like intensification; The general term for any non-standard foot (like a pyrrhic or spondee) used in a line of poetry based on a regular foot; Specifically, the rare change where a Bacchic (da-DUM-DUM) foot is inserted into a different metrical scheme for dramatic effect.
Additional Notes
A shift within a metrical line to include a Bacchic foot (short-long-long), disrupting the established pattern; a form of metrical variation used for effect, often lending a slightly heavy or exotic sound.
Also Known As
Bacchic variation metrical Bacchus change Bacchus rhythm Bacchic substitution Bacchiac variation
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