verse
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.one of the parts of a song that has the same music but different words each time.
n.a structural unit of a song, typically consisting of several rhyming lines, that alternates with the chorus.
Simple“I can remember the chorus of that song, but I always forget the second verse.”
In context“The songwriter decided to strip back the instrumentation during the first verse to create a more intimate connection with the listener before the heavy chorus.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.writing that is arranged in lines with a regular rhythm or rhyme.
n.writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a thematic or formal structure.
Simple“The children practiced reading the verse aloud to hear the rhythm of the words.”
In context“The collection includes both traditional rhyming verse and more experimental free-verse compositions that ignore standard meter.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a short, numbered section of a chapter in a holy book like the Bible or Quran.
n.a short numbered subdivision of a chapter in a sacred text.
Simple“The priest asked the congregation to turn to the third verse of the chapter.”
In context“Scholars spent years debating the precise translation of this specific verse, noting its linguistic similarities to older Aramaic dialects.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to teach someone about a subject or make them an expert in it.
v.to make someone familiar with or knowledgeable about a particular subject. Usually used in the passive voice with 'in'.
Simple“She is well versed in local history and can tell you all about the old buildings.”
In context“The legal team was thoroughly versed in international maritime law, ensuring they were prepared for any jurisdictional challenges during the trial.”
UsageCommonly appears as 'to be well versed in' something.
Synonyms
“The hollow beat fills the compound as voices rise in Mandinka, one woman leading a verse before the others answer in chorus.”
“The form dates back to the verse letters of the Roman Empire, where it was popularized by Horace and Ovid.”
From Middle English vers, from a mixture of Old English fers and Old French vers; both from Latin versus (“a line in writing, and in poetry a verse; (originally) row, furrow”), from vertō (“to turn around”).
Back-formation from versus, misconstrued as a third-person singular verb verses.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.