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Stress emphasis

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

The highlighting of a syllable or word through increased vocal stress within a line

Detailed Definition
Stress emphasis is the highlighting of key words through metrical placement—such as positioning a monosyllabic noun on a strong beat in iambic verse—or through rhythmic disruption like spondees (“HEART BEAT”). This prosodic technique guides interpretation and emotional response without visual cues, making it essential for oral performance and subtle textual emphasis in both formal and free verse.
Example
Example in poetry:
Emphasis on “RUN” in “You must RUN”; Stress on “NOW” in “Decide NOW”; Accentuated “LOVE” in “This is LOVE, not lust”; Strong beat on “FREE” in “Set them FREE”; Vocal stress on “TRUTH” in “Tell the TRUTH”
Additional Notes
Stress emphasis highlights key words through metrical placement (e.g., spondee in iambic line) or line breaks. This guides interpretation without visual cues—essential in oral performance.
Also Known As
emphatic accent rhythmic emphasis Stress point
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