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upward cadence

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 rhythmic movement that rises progressively in tone or stress through a line

Detailed Definition
Upward cadence describes a rising intonation or rhythmic lift at the end of a poetic line or phrase, often created through ascending stress patterns or interrogative syntax; this technique conveys hope, inquiry, or unresolved tension, inviting the reader to anticipate continuation rather than closure.
Example
Example in poetry:
A poem ending on an ascending melodic phrase: “And rise, and rise, and rise again!”; Lines building to a higher pitch or emotional peak: “From ashes, hope; from night, the dawn; from death, new life!”; Cadence that lifts through repetition: “Higher! Brighter! Clearer!”; Final line with rising intonation: “Will you come with me?”
Additional Notes
Upward cadence: A rhythm or sequence of sound where the emphasis or pitch rises toward the end of a line or phrase, often creating a sense of anticipation, questioning, or emotional uplift; contrast with falling cadence.
Also Known As
Ascending cadence Upward rhythm Rising cadence Assurgent rhythm
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