spenserian sonnet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
very lowacademic/literary
Quick answer
What does “spenserian sonnet” mean?
A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme (ABAB BCBC CDCD EE), named after the poet Edmund Spenser.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme (ABAB BCBC CDCD EE), named after the poet Edmund Spenser.
A poetic form developed by Edmund Spenser in the Renaissance, characterized by interlocking quatrains and a concluding couplet, often used for its fluid structure and thematic progression.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; the term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, referring precisely to the poetic form without additional cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to specialized contexts like literature studies.
Grammar
How to Use “spenserian sonnet” in a Sentence
noun phrase (e.g., 'The Spenserian sonnet is...')object of a verb (e.g., 'to study a Spenserian sonnet')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spenserian sonnet” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She admired the Spenserian elegance of the poem.
American English
- His writing has a Spenserian quality to it.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; never used in business contexts.
Academic
Common in literature, poetry, and Renaissance studies courses.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only appear in discussions about poetry.
Technical
Specific to literary analysis and poetic terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spenserian sonnet”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spenserian sonnet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spenserian sonnet”
- Misspelling as 'Spencerian sonnet' (adding a 'c')
- Mispronouncing 'Spenserian' with a /z/ sound instead of /s/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Edmund Spenser, an English poet from the Renaissance period.
It has 14 lines, like most traditional sonnets.
The rhyme scheme: Spenserian uses ABAB BCBC CDCD EE, while Shakespearean uses ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
Rarely; it is mostly studied historically, though some modern poets may experiment with the form.
A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme (ABAB BCBC CDCD EE), named after the poet Edmund Spenser.
Spenserian sonnet is usually academic/literary in register.
Spenserian sonnet: in British English it is pronounced /spɛnˈsɪəriən ˈsɒnɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /spɛnˈsɪriən ˈsɑːnɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember SPENSERIAN: Spenser's Poetic Endeavor Nicely Structures Every Rhyme In A Network.
Conceptual Metaphor
POEM AS ARCHITECTURE (the sonnet is a carefully constructed edifice with interlocking parts).
Practice
Quiz
What is the rhyme scheme of a Spenserian sonnet?