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Upright measure

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 pattern evoking verticality or strength through its rhythmic profile

Detailed Definition
Upright measure refers to a metrical pattern—typically iambic—that proceeds with consistent, unembellished regularity, evoking moral rectitude, clarity, or formal decorum through its predictable and unadorned rhythm.
Example
Example in poetry:
Dactylic hexameter’s rising rhythm conveys upright, forward motion; Trochaic meter’s falling rhythm can evoke strength and stability; A line like “MIGHTY is the MOUNTAIN high” uses strong stresses for upright effect; Ritual poetry often uses emphatic stresses to convey vertical, sacred energy.
Additional Notes
Upright measure is a metaphorical term for rhythms that feel strong, vertical, or forceful; often applied to trochaic or dactylic meters; interpretive rather than prosodic.
Also Known As
Vertical rhythm Strong cadence Erect meter Ithyphallic
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