choriambus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/poetic
Quick answer
What does “choriambus” mean?
A metrical foot in poetry consisting of four syllables in the pattern long–short–short–long (— ∪ ∪ —) or stressed–unstressed–unstressed–stressed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A metrical foot in poetry consisting of four syllables in the pattern long–short–short–long (— ∪ ∪ —) or stressed–unstressed–unstressed–stressed.
In classical prosody, a metrical unit used in Greek and Latin verse; sometimes extended to describe similar rhythmic patterns in English poetry or music.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
None beyond its technical literary meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US academic/poetic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “choriambus” in a Sentence
The poem contains a [choriambus].A [choriambus] is a four-syllable foot.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “choriambus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The choriambic metre is complex.
- He analysed the choriambic pattern.
American English
- The choriambic meter is complex.
- She studied the choriambic structure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in literature departments, classical studies, and poetry analysis.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in prosody and metrics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “choriambus”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “choriambus”
- Mispronouncing it as 'chor-ee-AM-bus'.
- Using it to describe any four-syllable foot.
- Confusing it with 'dactyl' or 'anapest'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialised term used almost exclusively in the study of poetry and classical literature.
A dactyl has the pattern long–short–short (— ∪ ∪), while a choriambus is long–short–short–long (— ∪ ∪ —). A choriambus is essentially a trochee followed by an iamb.
In terms of stress pattern, a word like 'unforgivable' (un-for-GIV-a-ble) can approximate the stressed–unstressed–unstressed–stressed pattern, though true choriambi are found across word boundaries in verse.
Yes, 'choriamb' is a common alternative, shorter form of 'choriambus'.
A metrical foot in poetry consisting of four syllables in the pattern long–short–short–long (— ∪ ∪ —) or stressed–unstressed–unstressed–stressed.
Choriambus is usually technical/poetic in register.
Choriambus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒrɪˈambəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːriˈæmbəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHORus I AM BUSy' – the stress pattern (CHOR-us I-AM BUS-y) mimics the long–short–short–long rhythm.
Conceptual Metaphor
A building block or DNA sequence of poetic rhythm.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'choriambus' primarily used?