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Glite Dictionary
tetrametric

tetrametric

9.9
Poetry that has lines with four beats each
  • adjective
  • /ˌtɛtrəˈmɛtrɪk/
  • Literature
: tetramétrico
  • The poem is written in tetrametric lines, giving it a distinctive rhythm.

Examples

  • The professor explained how tetrametric verse differs from pentametric verse in classical poetry.

  • Many classic poets used tetrametric lines in their works.

  • Many English ballads use a tetrametric structure to create a lyrical effect.

  • The poem was written in a tetrametric style.

  • Many English ballads use a tetrametric structure to create a lyrical effect.

  • The poem is written in tetrametric lines, giving it a distinctive rhythm.

  • The professor explained how tetrametric verse differs from pentametric verse in classical poetry.

Surface Forms

tetrametric positive

Morphology

tetrametric = tetrameter (transparent) = tetrameter + ic

Formed by adding the adjective-forming suffix 'ic' to 'tetrameter', yielding 'relating to tetrameter'; the derivation is a regular adjectival formation though the vocabulary is specialized.

Etymology

Tetrametric comes from the prefix tetra- meaning 'four' and the part -metric meaning 'measure', the same idea you see in meter and metric. So tetrametric describes lines of verse that are 'measured' in four beats or four metrical feet.