amphibrach: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical, academic, literary
Quick answer
What does “amphibrach” mean?
A metrical foot in poetry consisting of three syllables: one short or unstressed syllable, followed by one long or stressed syllable, then another short or unstressed syllable ( / x / ).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A metrical foot in poetry consisting of three syllables: one short or unstressed syllable, followed by one long or stressed syllable, then another short or unstressed syllable ( / x / ).
A specific rhythmic pattern used in verse; the term is also used in linguistics, particularly in studies of metre and prosody.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None. The term is identical in spelling, meaning, and usage in both varieties.
Connotations
Highly specialised literary/linguistic term in both regions.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English, confined to academic and poetic circles.
Grammar
How to Use “amphibrach” in a Sentence
The line is written in [amphibrachs].The [poem] employs the [amphibrach].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amphibrach” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The amphibrachic line gave the verse a lilting quality.
American English
- Her poem had an amphibrachic rhythm throughout.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, poetry analysis, and linguistics papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used precisely in prosodic analysis and computational linguistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amphibrach”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amphibrach”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amphibrach”
- Pronouncing it as /æmˈfɪbræk/ (stress on second syllable).
- Using it to describe music instead of poetic metre.
- Spelling it as 'amphibrack'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term used almost exclusively in the study of poetry and linguistics.
Yes, the word 'romantic' (/rəʊˈmæn.tɪk/) is a classic example: unstressed (ro-), stressed (-MAN-), unstressed (-tic).
An anapest has two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable (x x /), like 'understand'. An amphibrach has the stressed syllable in the middle (x / x).
No. It is only necessary for advanced literary studies, writing poetry, or linguistics.
A metrical foot in poetry consisting of three syllables: one short or unstressed syllable, followed by one long or stressed syllable, then another short or unstressed syllable ( / x / ).
Amphibrach is usually technical, academic, literary in register.
Amphibrach: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæmfɪbrak/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæmfəˌbræk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'amPHIbrach' – the PHI is in the middle and stressed, just like the stressed syllable in the middle of this foot.
Conceptual Metaphor
METER IS A JOURNEY / PATTERN: 'The poem travels on a steady rhythm of amphibrachs.'
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'amphibrach' primarily used?