iambic etymology

Etymology:

  • Greek: "iambos" (a foot consisting of a short and a long syllable)
  • Latin: "iambus"

Meaning:

In prosody, an iamb is a metrical foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

Origin:

The term "iamb" derives from the name of an ancient Greek Hymn to Demeter, which was performed in a rhythmical meter called "iambus". This rhythm was characterized by its lively and energetic nature, with the unstressed syllable providing a rapid beat and the stressed syllable emphasizing the force of the words.

Usage in Poetry:

Iambs are commonly used in poetry, especially in the English and Russian languages. They create a natural rhythm that mimics the flow of speech and provides a sense of energy and motion.

Examples:

  • William Shakespeare, "Hamlet":

    "To be or not to be, that is the question"

  • Alexander Pope, "The Rape of the Lock":

    "To arms, to arms! the foe is nigh!"

  • Vladimir Mayakovsky, "Ode to Lenin":

    "И самый большой поэт — Владимир по имени Ленин!"

iambic relate terms

  • choriambic

    Etymology Greek χορίαμβος choriambus Meaning A choriamb is a metrical f

  • iambic

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

  • chorus

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

  • iamb

    Etymology The word iamb comes from the Greek word iambos which refers to a type of

  • iambic

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

  • trochee

    Etymology The word trochee derives from the Greek word trochaios meaning running

  • spondee

    Etymology Ancient Greek σπονδεῖος spondeios meaning spondee Meaning

  • hymnal

    Etymology From Middle English himnal from Anglo Norman hymnal from Latin hymnarium

  • heroic

    Etymology The word heroic comes from the ancient Greek word ἥρως hērōs mean

  • gift

    Etymology The word gift comes from the Old English word gift meaning a giving or

  • verse

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

  • serve

    Etymology From Middle English serven from Old French servir from Latin servīre to

  • sever

    Etymology The word sever comes from the Latin word separare which means to separat

  • abhor

    Etymology Latin abhorrere to shrink away from in disgust or horror Proto Indo Euro

  • helpmeet

    Etymology Help from Old English helpan meaning to aid assist or support Meet

  • team

    Etymology The word team originates from the Middle English word teme which means a

  • keep

    Etymology Derived from the Middle English word kepen meaning to hold or guard Me