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Syllable omission

Device
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 deliberate omission of a syllable to conform to metrical requirements or create rhythmic variation, often marked by apostrophe (e.g., “o’er”).

Detailed Definition
The dropping of syllables for metrical or rhythmic purposes, typically marked by apostrophes in written form, common in formal verse to maintain regular meter. Examples include "ne'er" for "never," "o'er" for "over," and "heav'n" for "heaven." While essential in Renaissance and Romantic poetry for achieving metrical regularity, modern poets generally avoid such elisions except for deliberate archaic effect or specific prosodic requirements.
Example
Example in poetry:
Syllable omission (catalexis) appears in trochaic tetrameter: “Tyger Tyger, burning bright” (missing final unstressed); modern example: Emily Dickinson’s trimeter omits syllables for hymn rhythm; syllable omission creates rhythmic variation; it’s common in song and ballad; this technique increases musicality; it often marks line closure.
Additional Notes
Dropping syllables for metrical purposes. Common in formal verse to maintain regular meter. Uses apostrophe to mark omission. Less common in modern free verse.
Also Known As
Syncope Elision Syllable dropping Metrical contraction
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