choriambic etymology

Etymology:

• Greek: χορίαμβος (choriambus)

Meaning:

A choriamb is a metrical foot in poetry consisting of a trochee followed by an iamb.

Origin:

The term "choriamb" is derived from the Greek words:

• χωρεῖος (choreios): meaning "trochee"
• ἴαμβος (iambos): meaning "iamb"

The choriambic foot was originally used in Greek and Latin poetry, particularly in choral songs and dance rhythms. It is characterized by its lively and energetic rhythm.

Example:

An example of a choriambic foot is the following line from Sappho's "Ode to Aphrodite":

ἄνασσα τεὰς δ᾽ ἀγαλλίδος αἴτεο κῶμον ἴδηι

Diagram:

A choriambic foot can be represented diagrammatically as follows:

/ - -

Where each "-" represents an unstressed syllable and each "/" represents a stressed syllable.

choriambic relate terms

• chorus

  Etymology Late Latin chorus Greek khoros a dancing place from khoreia dance Me

• verse

  Etymology The word verse comes from the Old French word vers which is derived from t

• iambic

  Etymology Greek iambos a foot consisting of a short and a long syllable Latin ia