Home › Glossary › Letter O

Octametric dactyl

Meter
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

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 of eight dactylic feet, producing an extended, galloping rhythm used for epic or dramatic effect.

Detailed Definition
Octametric dactyl describes a metrical line of eight dactylic feet, producing an exceptionally long and rhythmic cadence; though impractical in most English contexts, it may appear in experimental, parodic, or classically inspired verse seeking monumental or incantatory effect.
Example
Example in poetry:
Octameter line of dactyls: “Racing across the horizon thundering merrily galloping quickly”; Demonstration of classical imitation; Chorally-chanted length; Extended scansion verse.
Additional Notes
Octametric dactyl|meter|Eight dactylic feet producing grand, expansive rhythmic effect. Epic scale; practical hint: suit sweeping narratives; compare to shorter dactyls for proportion.
Also Known As
Eight-foot dactylic Dactylic octameter Eight-measure triple rhythm Octapodic falling verse
Skip to main content