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Six-epitrite line

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 metrical line in classical prosody composed of six epitrites—each an accented-unaccented-unaccented-unaccented foot—creating a complex, syncopated rhythmic pattern.

Detailed Definition
A classical metrical line composed of six epitrites, each containing three long and one short syllable, creating extended complex rhythmic structure. This highly technical term from quantitative prosody remains more relevant for classical languages than English stress-based meter. Understanding such constructions illuminates sophisticated metrical systems of ancient poetry and how classical poets organized extended rhythmic patterns.
Example
Example in poetry:
Six-epitrite line combines four epitrites (trochee + three iambs) for complex rhythm: Rare in English; Greek choral odes used epitrites; Contemporary approximation: “Darkness falls and stars rise slowly now” (mixed meter); Some hymns mimic epitritic patterns; The form creates stately, processional feel; Mostly of scholarly interest today.
Additional Notes
Classical metrical construction requiring understanding of quantitative principles. Rare in English verse due to stress-based meter. More relevant for classical languages and comparative prosody.
Also Known As
Sextuple epitrite Six-epitrite measure Classical six-unit Epitritic hexameter
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