Spondaic

Spondaic describes a line, phrase, or word pattern built around spondees-two strongly stressed syllables in a row. Poets use spondaic rhythm to slow the pace, add weight, or make a line feel forceful and heavy. It is usually a variation within a poem's meter, not a full meter by itself.

Example

The stones cracked
the road split
under black boots

An example from “In Memoriam” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

“When the blood creeps and the nerves prick


Words



bread box, shoeshine

Related Definitions

[adj] (prosody) of or consisting of spondees; "spondaic hexameter"

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