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pickup

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

Anacrusis; an extra syllable or syllables at the start of a line before the regular meter begins.

Detailed Definition
In prosody, a pickup (or anacrusis) is one or more unstressed syllables that precede the first full metrical foot of a line, creating a lead-in that softens the opening beat; common in hymns and ballads, this technique adds lyrical fluidity and mimics the natural cadence of speech.
Example
Example in poetry:
A short, transitional line or phrase used to bridge two longer sections or ideas, similar to a musician's pickup beat; A brief, often anapestic, introductory foot or phrase at the beginning of a line that sets the rhythm for the following feet; An unstressed syllable or syllables at the beginning of a metrical line, preceding the first stressed syllable; A short, connecting phrase at the end of a stanza that prepares the reader for the theme or tone of the next stanza.
Additional Notes
pickup: A technical term for an anacrusis, or one or more unstressed syllables that begin a line before the established metrical pattern begins; helps vary the rhythm at the start of the line.
Also Known As
poetic entry starting lift lead-in Anacrustic onset Anacrouse Anacrusis
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