anapaest: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical / Literary
Quick answer
What does “anapaest” mean?
A metrical foot in poetry consisting of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable ( / ).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A metrical foot in poetry consisting of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable ( / ).
Used broadly in prosody to refer to a specific rhythmical pattern; can also figuratively describe something with a sudden, emphatic conclusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'anapaest', US 'anapest'. Otherwise, no significant difference in usage or meaning.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English, confined to literary and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anapaest” in a Sentence
[The] + [line/verse/poem] + [is composed of/uses] + anapaest(s)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anapaest” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable; not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable; not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable; not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable; not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The poem's anapaestic rhythm gave it a lively, galloping feel.
American English
- His speech had an anapestic quality, with words rushing toward each punchline.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, prosody, and poetry analysis.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used in discussing poetry.
Technical
Standard term in metrics/prosody.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anapaest”
- Misspelling as 'anapast' or 'anaphest'. Incorrectly describing it as a stressed-unstressed-unstressed pattern.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An anapaest is two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed one ( / ). A dactyl is the opposite: one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed ones (/ ).
No, it is a highly specialized term from poetry and literary analysis. Its use outside these contexts would be very unusual.
No, in British English the standard spelling is 'anapaest'. Using 'anapest' would be marked as an Americanism.
'The Destruction of Sennacherib' by Lord Byron is a classic example written predominantly in anapaestic tetrameter ('The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold...').
A metrical foot in poetry consisting of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable ( / ).
Anapaest is usually technical / literary in register.
Anapaest: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæ.nə.piːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæ.nə.pɛst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a galloping horse: 'da-da-DUM' (short-short-long). The name sounds like 'anapest' which can be remembered as 'a nap rest' – two short rests followed by a long one.
Conceptual Metaphor
RHYTHM IS MOVEMENT (e.g., a gallop, a surge).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following correctly represents an anapaest?