stasimon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialized)Academic / Literary / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “stasimon” mean?
In ancient Greek drama, a choral ode sung by the chorus after they have taken their positions in the orchestra, typically between episodes of dialogue.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In ancient Greek drama, a choral ode sung by the chorus after they have taken their positions in the orchestra, typically between episodes of dialogue.
Any formal choral ode or hymn performed by a stationary chorus, often commenting on or reflecting upon the action of a play.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or usage, as it is a specialist academic term.
Connotations
Primarily associated with scholarly analysis of classical Greek tragedy.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general use; appears almost exclusively in academic literature on ancient drama.
Grammar
How to Use “stasimon” in a Sentence
The stasimon in [play] reflects on...A stasimon follows the [episode].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Essential term in classical studies and theatre history. Used to describe the structure of Greek tragedy.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term for a structural component of ancient Greek drama.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stasimon”
- Using it to refer to any part of a play.
- Mispronouncing the first syllable as 'stay' instead of 'sta' (as in 'static').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in academic contexts related to classical Greek theatre.
The 'parodos' is the chorus's first entrance song, while a 'stasimon' is a choral ode sung after the chorus has taken its stationary position in the orchestra.
Only in a very loose, metaphorical sense, such as when a modern play deliberately imitates the structure of Greek tragedy.
Primarily in tragedy. Old Comedy (e.g., Aristophanes) has a different, less formal structure.
In ancient Greek drama, a choral ode sung by the chorus after they have taken their positions in the orchestra, typically between episodes of dialogue.
Stasimon is usually academic / literary / specialized in register.
Stasimon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstasɪmɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstæsɪmɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: STAtic chorus SINGS a monologue = STASIMON.
Conceptual Metaphor
The chorus as a collective moral compass, stationary and observing.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'stasimon'?