Definition

A type of metrical foot in poetry that consists of a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable and then another stressed syllable.

Example

The poet used a cretic to create a strong rhythm in the verse.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a cretic?

No, I haven’t. What is it?

It's a type of metrical foot in poetry, like an amphimacer.

That sounds interesting! I need to look it up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cretic → It is derived from the Greek word "kretikos" (meaning of Crete), which refers to a metrical foot in poetry consisting of a long syllable followed by two short syllables. The term "cretic" describes this specific rhythmic pattern in verse.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek origin related to Crete, where this poetic rhythm was defined — a cretic is a specific pattern of long and short syllables in poetry.

Visually Confused Words