Definition

Relating to a type of poetic meter that consists of iambs, which are metrical feet with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

Example

Shakespeare often wrote in iambic pentameter, giving his plays a rhythmic quality.

Conversation

Have you ever tried writing in iambic meter?

No, I haven't. What's it like?

It's pretty interesting, actually; it has a nice rhythm to it.

That sounds cool! I might give it a try sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of verse or poem that is made up of iambs, which are metrical feet consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

Example

Shakespeare often wrote in iambic pentameter, which gives his poetry a rhythmic quality.

Conversation

Have you ever tried writing in iambic meter?

I haven’t, but it sounds interesting!

I just learned about it in my poetry class.

Root Explanation

Iambic is derived from "iambos" (Greek, meaning a type of metrical foot) and the suffix "-ic" (meaning pertaining to). The term refers to a poetic meter that consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, characteristic of iambic verse.

Memory Tip

Think of 'iambos' as a specific type of rhythm in poetry, and remember that 'iambic' describes something related to that rhythmic pattern.

Visually Confused Words