pure iambic trimeter

9.9

A line of poetry with six short-long beats and no rhythm changes allowed

noun
/pjʊr aɪˈæmbɪk ˈtraɪˌmɛtər/

Literature

: trimetro yámbico puro

In classical poetry, pure iambic trimeter is rarely maintained due to the constraints it imposes on word choice.

Examples

The poet experimented with pure iambic trimeter to achieve a highly regular rhythm in his verses.
Scholars debate whether any extant lines from Catullus satisfy the conditions of pure iambic trimeter.
A line written in pure iambic trimeter has a specific rhythm.
Many poets prefer pure iambic trimeter for its musical quality.
In classical poetry, pure iambic trimeter is a strict form that requires all syllables to be short.
The famous poet wrote several pieces in pure iambic trimeter to showcase his mastery of rhythm.
Many English verses strive for pure iambic trimeter, as it creates a smooth and flowing sound.

Synonyms

verse line

vspure iambic trimeter

Literature

5.4

A single line of a poem with its own rhythm

is a strict six-foot metrical form with all variable syllables short

How Strict

pure iambic trimeter

Literature

9.9

iambic trimeter

Literature

9.9

Surface Forms

pure iambic trimeter singular

pure iambic trimeters plural

Morphology

pure + iambic + trimeter

The phrase is fully compositional: 'trimeter' names a three‑foot line, 'iambic' specifies the metrical foot type, and 'pure' signals that the pattern is strict with no substitutions, so the overall meaning is directly derivable from the parts. Although the vocabulary is technical (poetry/metre), a learner who already knows the constituent terms would understand the intended sense.

Etymology

Pure iambic trimeter creates a clear sound image in poetry: iambic is a repeating 'short-long' beat and trimeter means three pairs, so the line has six beats. The word pure means 'no changes' are allowed, so the line keeps that exact 'short-long' rhythm, and that is why the phrase refers to a very strict rhythmic line.