Choliambic

/ˌkoʊliˈæmbɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or written in the meter of a choliamb; marked by the characteristic rhythm of choliambic verse.

Etymology

From 'choliamb' + the suffix '-ic' (relating to). Used in classical studies and poetry analysis since the Renaissance rediscovery of classical texts.

Kelly Says

Poets writing choliambic verse were doing something bold—they were deliberately breaking the 'rules' of meter to create a jarring, sarcastic effect, kind of like today's artists breaking conventions!

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