Home › Glossary › Letter S

Short couplet

Form
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 two-line stanza significantly shorter than conventional heroic couplets, often used for epigrammatic effect

Detailed Definition
Short couplet uses two brief lines—often dimeter or monometer—to deliver wit, punch, or abrupt closure; common in epigrams, closing stanzas, or satirical verse, its brevity amplifies impact, relying on concision and rhythmic snap to leave a lasting impression.
Example
Example in poetry:
Heroic couplet condensed: “Love burns. Truth turns.”; Two-line epigram: “Fame is fleeting. Art is true.”; Satiric pair: “He lied well. She believed longer.”; Aphoristic close: “Dreams fade. Deeds remain.”
Additional Notes
Short couplet uses two brief lines (often dimeter or monometer); creates punch, wit, or abrupt closure—common in epigrams and closing couplets.
Also Known As
diminutive couplet compact pair brief distich tight two-liner brief couplet Octosyllabic couplet
Skip to main content