ottava rima
C2+Formal, Literary, Technical (Poetry/Literature)
Definition
Meaning
An Italian stanza form consisting of eight lines of iambic pentameter, rhyming abababcc.
A fixed poetic form with a specific rhyme scheme and metre, famously used in epic and satirical poetry. It is characterized by its rolling narrative potential and a concluding, often epigrammatic, rhyming couplet.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term names the form itself, not a specific instance. One writes *in* ottava rima. It is a countable noun when referring to stanzas (e.g., 'several ottava rimas'), and an uncountable noun when referring to the form.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is borrowed directly from Italian and used identically in both literary traditions.
Connotations
Associated with high literary culture, Renaissance poetry, and specific works like Byron's 'Don Juan'. No regional connotative shift.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties, confined to literary and academic discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[author] + writes/composes + in + ottava rimaThe + poem/verse + is + composed + in + ottava rima[work] + employs/uses + ottava rimaVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, poetry seminars, and studies of poetic form. (e.g., 'The thesis analyzes Byron's mastery of ottava rima.')
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only appear in discussions among poetry enthusiasts.
Technical
Core term in prosody, the study of versification. Precise definition is crucial.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The ottava rima form presents a particular challenge.
- He analysed the ottava rima structure.
American English
- The ottava rima format allows for digression.
- Her ottava rima experiment was successful.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'Don Juan' by Lord Byron is a famous poem written in ottava rima.
- An ottava rima has a very specific rhyme pattern.
- The poet's adept use of ottava rima allowed for both narrative fluidity and satirical punchlines in the closing couplet.
- While the form originated in Italy, its adoption by English Romantic poets transformed its tonal possibilities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'An OCTAVE (eight lines) of RHYME-A (rima), organised ABABABCC.'
Conceptual Metaphor
A POETIC FORM IS A CONTAINER / STRUCTURE (for narrative or ideas).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a literal, word-for-word translation ('восьмая рифма'). Use the borrowed term 'оттава рима' or the descriptive 'строфа из восьми строк с рифмовкой abababcc'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'ottava rima poem' is fine, but not 'the poem is ottava rima').
- Confusing it with other Italian forms like terza rima.
- Mispronouncing 'rima' as /ˈraɪmə/ instead of /ˈriːmə/.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining rhyme scheme of an ottava rima stanza?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Italian, meaning 'eighth rhyme'.
No, while used for epics, it is particularly famed for its suitability for comic and satirical poetry, as seen in Byron's work.
Eight lines (an octave).
Iambic pentameter (five iambic feet per line, da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM).