Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Alcaic

Alcaic

9.9
A four-line pattern used in Greek and Latin poems
  • noun
  • /ælˈkeɪɪk/
  • Literature
translation icon : alcaico
  • The poet chose an Alcaic verse to convey the depth of his emotions.

Examples

  • In his latest work, he experimented with Alcaic strophes to capture the classical spirit.

  • Studying Alcaic poetry allows students to appreciate ancient literary techniques.

  • Thus were the meters created: alcaic, asclepiad, hexameter, iambic, trochaic, as well as the stanza forms: the Sapphic, the Pindaric, etc.

    Academic text (2007)

Synonyms

Alcaic verse
vsAlcaic
  • Literature
9.9

A four-line stanza with a set rhythm used in ancient Greek and Latin poetry

is the shorter name for the same poetic form

Compounds

Alcaic verse
  • Literature
9.9

A four-line stanza with a set rhythm used in ancient Greek and Latin poetry

Surface Forms

Alcaic singular
Alcaics plural

Morphology

Alcaic = Alcaeus (opaque) = Alcaeus + ic

The word is formed from the proper name Alcaeus plus the suffix '-ic', but knowledge of the poet or poetic terminology is required, so the relation is not helpful for average learners.

Etymology

The word Alcaic is named after the ancient Greek poet Alcaeus, who used a special 'pattern of lines' in his poems. So an Alcaic stanza or poem today is a short group of lines that follows his old rhythm.