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Trochaic hexameter

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 six-foot trochaic line (– ◡ ×6) that generates a forceful, marching rhythm, used for dramatic or incantatory effect.

Detailed Definition
Trochaic hexameter consists of six trochaic feet per line (DUM-da x6), producing a forceful, rolling cadence uncommon in English poetry; it may be employed for ceremonial or prophetic effect, often appearing in fragments or mixed meters to avoid monotony while retaining rhythmic authority.
Example
Example in poetry:
Trochaic hexameter: Six trochaic feet: "DOUBT thou the stars are fire; / DOUBT that the sun doth move" (Shakespeare, Hamlet) — though often catalectic in practice.
Additional Notes
Six trochaic feet per line. Less common than tetrameter or pentameter. Creates sustained, falling rhythm. Useful for emphatic or ceremonial effects in longer poems.
Also Known As
Trochaic six-foot Falling hexameter Twelve-syllable trochaic Alexandrine trochaic
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