Stichic catalectic

Meter
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 metrical structure of continuous, unbroken lines that each end with a deliberate truncation or halt; this creates a rhythm of closure and pause, suitable for meditative or solemn verse.

Detailed Definition
Stichic catalectic runs truncated verse, for narrative punch. It propels abruptly; in epics, it sustains with closures, driving plot.
Example
Example in poetry:
Stichic catalectic uses continuous lines with consistent truncation, as in "Come, come away" (repeated catalectic trimeter); "Run, run so fast" (stichic catalectic dactyl); "Fly, fly on high" (stichic brachycatalectic); "Sing, sing with joy" (stichic catalectic anapest); "Go, go no more" (stichic truncated iamb); "See, see the light" (stichic catalectic pattern).
Additional Notes
Stichic catalectic combines continuous lineation with catalexis, meaning each line ends in truncation; this produces a relentless yet halting rhythm—ongoing in structure but interrupted at closure—ideal for conveying psychological tension or unresolved motion.
Also Known As
Ongoing catalectic continuous truncated lines
Skip to main content