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Paeonic tetrameter

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

Paeonic tetrameter is a metrical line consisting of four paeonic feet—each a four-syllable unit with one long and three short syllables in varying arrangements.

Detailed Definition
Paeonic tetrameter is a classical metrical line composed of four paeonic feet, each consisting of one long syllable followed by three short syllables (or vice versa, depending on subtype); though rare in extant Greek or Latin poetry, it exemplifies the quantitative precision of ancient prosody, where syllable length—not stress—determines rhythm.
Example
Example in poetry:
Paeonic tetrameter: a rare meter with four paeons (long-short-short-short or variants); Used in ancient Greek processional hymns; A modern approximation: “Gather the roses while the light holds” with rhythmic irregularity; Contemporary experimental poets revive it for incantatory effect; Paeonic tetrameter resists English stress patterns, creating exotic cadence.
Additional Notes
Four paeonic feet create extended flowing lines. Challenging to sustain due to paeon's uncommon stress pattern. Consider mixing with other meters for variety while maintaining rhythmic interest.
Also Known As
Four-syllable tetrameter Paeonic four-foot Greek standard variable Mixed-stress tetrameter
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