HYPERCATALECTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Hypercatalectic is an adjective that refers to a metrical term in poetry and verse. It describes a line of verse that has more syllables than the standard metric pattern requires. In traditional poetic meter, each line is composed of a specific number of syllables or a particular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. When a line contains one or more additional syllables beyond this established pattern, it is considered hypercatalectic.
The term hypercatalectic comes from the Greek words "hyper" meaning "above" or "beyond" and "katalēgein" meaning "to recount" or "to catalog." It is often used to describe verses that exceed the normal limit of syllables in a line, resulting in "extra" or "added" syllables. These additional syllables can create a variation in the rhythm and musicality of the verse.
Hypercatalectic lines can be intentionally employed by poets to create a specific effect or to deviate from the expected meter, adding complexity or emphasis to a particular line or stanza. They can disrupt the regular flow of the poem and draw attention to certain words or ideas. Hypercatalectic lines may also occur unintentionally, where the poet deviates from the traditional pattern by mistake.
In summary, hypercatalectic refers to a line of poetry or verse that contains more syllables than the standard metric pattern calls for, either deliberately or accidentally. It is a term used in the analysis and study of poetry to describe variations in meter and rhythm.
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In L. and Gr. poetry, a verse having a syllable or two beyond the just measure.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HYPERCATALECTIC
- gypercatalectic
- bypercatalectic
- nypercatalectic
- jypercatalectic
- uypercatalectic
- yypercatalectic
- htpercatalectic
- hgpercatalectic
- hhpercatalectic
- hupercatalectic
- h7percatalectic
- h6percatalectic
- hyoercatalectic
- hylercatalectic
- hy-ercatalectic
- hy0ercatalectic
- hypwrcatalectic
- hypsrcatalectic
- hypdrcatalectic
Etymology of HYPERCATALECTIC
The word "hypercatalectic" has its etymology rooted in the Greek language. It is derived from two Greek words: "hyper" meaning "beyond" or "excessive", and "katalexis" meaning "lack" or "leaving out". In poetry, a catalexis refers to the lack of a syllable at the end of a verse, and hypercatalectic means going beyond a catalectic ending, thus adding an extra syllable to the verse.
Similar spelling words for HYPERCATALECTIC
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