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Parallel measure

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 measurement of rhythm based on parallel structural repetition.

Detailed Definition
Parallel measure refers to the consistent use of identical metrical patterns across multiple lines or stanzas, establishing rhythmic uniformity that supports thematic or emotional continuity; this technique is foundational in traditional forms like the ballad or hymn, where steady meter enhances communal recitation and lyrical memorability.
Example
Example in poetry:
Two or more lines or stanzas that share the same metrical pattern, even if the content and exact syllable count vary slightly; A poem where all stanzas are written consistently in iambic tetrameter; A form where the first two lines of every quatrain are in one meter and the last two are in another; The use of parallel rhythm across all stanzas, such as every stanza beginning with a trochaic foot.
Additional Notes
Parallel measure: Lines in a poem that share a similar metrical length or rhythmic pattern, but not necessarily a shared foot; a looser form of isometry or rhythmic parallelism.
Also Known As
equal measure matched measure mirrored measure Analogical meter
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