Word
acatalectic
Phoneticsacatalec·tic
Definition
n. a line of poetry that has the correct number of syllables or feet and does not end with an extra one. It is the opposite of a line that is too long.
n. a verse line that contains the correct number of metrical feet or syllables for its specific meter and does not end with an extra, unstressed syllable. The term is often used to describe the standard structure of a line in a specific poetic form.
Examples
“The poem uses acatalectic lines to maintain a steady rhythm.”
“In iambic pentameter, an acatalectic line contains exactly five feet without an extra syllable at the end.”
“While catalectic lines are common in modern free verse to create a sense of abruptness, the acatalectic structure remains the standard for traditional sonnets and ballads to ensure a balanced cadence.”
Examples
simple
“The poem uses acatalectic lines to maintain a steady rhythm.”
contextual
“In iambic pentameter, an acatalectic line contains exactly five feet without an extra syllable at the end.”
complex
“While catalectic lines are common in modern free verse to create a sense of abruptness, the acatalectic structure remains the standard for traditional sonnets and ballads to ensure a balanced cadence.”
Etymology
From Late Latin acatalēcticus, from Ancient Greek ἀκατάληκτος (akatálēktos, “leaving off”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/acatalectic