shakespearean sonnet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumAcademic, literary
Quick answer
What does “shakespearean sonnet” mean?
A fourteen-line poem following a specific rhyme scheme (ABABCDCDEFEFGG) and iambic pentameter, consisting of three quatrains and a final couplet, as established by William Shakespeare.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fourteen-line poem following a specific rhyme scheme (ABABCDCDEFEFGG) and iambic pentameter, consisting of three quatrains and a final couplet, as established by William Shakespeare.
A specific, highly structured poetic form popularized by Shakespeare, often used to explore themes of love, beauty, mortality, and time. The form is characterized by a thematic 'turn' or resolution in the final couplet.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term itself is identical. The study and cultural weight of the form may be more prevalent in UK literary contexts, but the term is standard internationally.
Connotations
Associated with high culture, classic English literature, and traditional poetic craft in both regions.
Frequency
More frequent in academic and literary discourse in the UK, but equally understood and used in the US in equivalent contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shakespearean sonnet” in a Sentence
The poet wrote a Shakespearean sonnet.The essay analyses the Shakespearean sonnet's volta.This poem is modelled on the Shakespearean sonnet.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shakespearean sonnet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To attempt to Shakespearean-sonnet a modern feeling is quite a challenge.
- He Shakespearean-sonnetted his heartbreak.
American English
- She decided to Shakespearean sonnet her tribute.
- They were assigned to Shakespearean-sonnet a political event.
adverb
British English
- He wrote Shakespearean-sonnet-ly, with perfect iambic pentameter.
- The poem was constructed Shakespearean-sonnet-wise.
American English
- She composed the verse Shakespearean-sonnet-style.
- The piece was arranged Shakespearean-sonnet-fashion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare to non-existent.
Academic
Common in literature, poetry, and creative writing courses. Used to discuss poetic form, literary history, and analysis.
Everyday
Rare, except among those with an interest in poetry or literature.
Technical
Standard term in literary criticism, poetics, and formalist analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shakespearean sonnet”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shakespearean sonnet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shakespearean sonnet”
- Misspelling as 'Shakespearian sonnet' (less common variant).
- Confusing it with the Petrarchan/Italian sonnet (which has an octave and sestet).
- Using the term for any 14-line poem, regardless of rhyme scheme or meter.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the terms are largely synonymous. 'Shakespearean sonnet' credits its most famous practitioner, while 'English sonnet' denotes its geographic development.
It always has exactly fourteen lines, written in iambic pentameter.
The volta, or 'turn', is a shift in thought or argument. In a Shakespearean sonnet, it typically occurs at the beginning of the final couplet (line 13).
No, he did not invent it. The form was developed earlier by English poets like Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. Shakespeare perfected and popularised it to such a degree that it now bears his name.
A fourteen-line poem following a specific rhyme scheme (ABABCDCDEFEFGG) and iambic pentameter, consisting of three quatrains and a final couplet, as established by William Shakespeare.
Shakespearean sonnet is usually academic, literary in register.
Shakespearean sonnet: in British English it is pronounced /ʃeɪkˌspɪə.ri.ən ˈsɒn.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃeɪkˌspɪr.i.ən ˈsɑː.nɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SHAKEsPEARE wrote FOURTEEN lines, grouped as FOUR (quatrain) FOUR FOUR TWO (couplet). The rhyme scheme is as famous as his name: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SONNET IS A PRECISE ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE; THE SONNET IS A FORMAL ARGUMENT (with premises in quatrains and conclusion in the couplet).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet?