pentameter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, Academic, Technical (Poetry Analysis)
Quick answer
What does “pentameter” mean?
a line of verse consisting of five metrical feet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a line of verse consisting of five metrical feet
A specific rhythmic pattern in poetry, often used in English verse forms like blank verse and the heroic couplet. It is the standard line length in much English poetry, providing a balance between rhythmic flexibility and structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
In both dialects, the word carries strong connotations of traditional, formal, or classic English poetry (Shakespeare, Milton).
Frequency
Equally rare in general conversation but standard in literary and academic contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “pentameter” in a Sentence
The poem is written in [adjective] pentameter.He analysed the [noun]'s use of pentameter.She struggled to maintain the pentameter.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pentameter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to pentameter his thoughts, but free verse spilled out.
- The composer pentametred the libretto to fit the musical phrase.
American English
- She attempted to pentameter the dialogue, aiming for a Shakespearean feel.
- The poet pentametred the ancient text in his translation.
adverb
British English
- The verse flowed pentameterly, with a steady iambic beat.
- He wrote pentameterly, adhering strictly to the form.
American English
- She composed pentameterly, yet the rhythm felt natural and unforced.
- The speech was crafted pentameterly to echo the original.
adjective
British English
- The pentameter structure felt too constrictive for her modern theme.
- He delivered a pentameter reading of the soliloquy.
American English
- The poem's pentameter rhythm was disrupted by a strategic spondee.
- Her pentameter lines were impeccably regular.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in literature departments, poetry analysis, and classical studies. Used to describe poetic form and metre.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by those discussing poetry.
Technical
Core technical term in prosody (the study of verse).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pentameter”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pentameter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pentameter”
- Using 'pentameter' without specifying the foot type (e.g., 'iambic'). Saying 'a pentameter poem' instead of 'a poem in pentameter'. Pronouncing it as /'pen.təˌmiː.tər/. Confusing it with 'pentagram'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Pentameter' refers to the count of five feet per line. The feet can be iambs, trochees, dactyls, etc. Iambic pentameter is simply the most common in English.
Not always. While iambic pentameter typically has ten syllables, a pentameter line with other foot types (like spondees or dactyls) could have a different syllable count. For example, a dactylic pentameter line would have fifteen syllables.
Blank verse is unrhymed iambic pentameter. 'Pentameter' specifies the metre (five feet). 'Blank verse' specifies both the metre (iambic pentameter) and the lack of rhyme.
Yes, though less dominantly than in earlier centuries. Modern poets may use it traditionally, subvert it, or mix it with free verse to create specific rhythmic effects or allusions to the poetic past.
a line of verse consisting of five metrical feet.
Pentameter is usually literary, academic, technical (poetry analysis) in register.
Pentameter: in British English it is pronounced /penˈtæm.ɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /penˈtæm.ə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PENTA' (meaning five, like a pentagon) + 'METER' (meaning measure). A pentameter is a line 'measuring' five feet.
Conceptual Metaphor
A METRE IS A MEASURED CONTAINER (for rhythm and sound). A FOOT IS A UNIT OF MEASUREMENT. Poetry is architecture built with measured units.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a line of iambic pentameter?