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Poetic pause

Sound
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 deliberate break in rhythm or speech within a line, often marked by punctuation or lineation

Detailed Definition
Poetic pause (caesura) is a deliberate break within a metrical line, marked by punctuation or natural speech rhythm; it controls pacing, emphasizes key words, creates dramatic tension, or allows breath, serving as a crucial tool for shaping cadence and emotional nuance in both formal and free verse.
Example
Example in poetry:
A line break creating breath space: “I waited— / for you.”; Caesura marked by dash or comma: “She ran, / but not far.”; Strategic white space on the page implying silence; Enjambment followed by pause: “The truth is / [line break] / I forgot.”
Additional Notes
Poetic pause (caesura) is a deliberate break within a line; use to control pace, emphasize words, or create dramatic tension—mark with punctuation or lineation.
Also Known As
caesura rhythmic break silent beat metrical gap break Line break
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