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Three-measure unstressed

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 composed entirely of unstressed syllables in three distinct feet, creating a light, rapid, or whispered effect, rare in English but used for deliberate softness.

Detailed Definition
Three-measure unstressed indicates a three-foot line where stress patterns remain minimal or ambiguous. This creates softer rhythmic movement than traditional trimeter with clear stresses.
Example
Example in poetry:
Three pyrrhic feet creating trimeter; Six consecutive unstressed syllables; Three two-syllable unstressed measures; Metrically unusual three-foot pattern
Additional Notes
Three-measure unstressed describes a line with three weak beats, often part of a larger metrical scheme. Uncommon as standalone—typically functions as a substitution within iambic or anapestic lines for rhythmic variation.
Also Known As
Trimeter of pyrrhics Three-measure unstressed verse Triple-foot unstressed line Dibrachic trimeter
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