Pronunciation: /ˈæn.ə.pɛst/

Definitions of anapest

noun a verse composed of such feet

Example Sentences

A1 An anapest is a type of poetic meter with two short syllables followed by one long syllable.

A2 In English poetry, an anapest is often used in limericks to create a playful rhythm.

B1 Students studying poetry may come across the term 'anapest' when learning about different metrical feet.

B2 Anapestic meter can add a lively and energetic feel to a poem or song.

C1 The poet's skillful use of anapests throughout the poem created a sense of movement and flow.

C2 Analyzing the distribution of anapests in a poem can reveal the poet's intended rhythm and emphasis.

Examples of anapest in a Sentence

formal The poem is written in anapestic tetrameter, with each line consisting of four anapests.

informal I find it easier to remember poems that use anapests because of their rhythmic pattern.

slang Anapests are like the fancy footwork of poetry, adding a little bounce to the lines.

figurative Her words danced across the page like anapests in a lively poem.

Grammatical Forms of anapest

past tense

anapested

plural

anapests

comparative

more anapestic

superlative

most anapestic

present tense

anapests

future tense

will anapest

perfect tense

have anapested

continuous tense

is anapesting

singular

anapest

positive degree

anapestic

infinitive

to anapest

gerund

anapesting

participle

anapested

Origin and Evolution of anapest

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Greek
Story behind the word: The word 'anapest' originates from Greek, where it is a combination of the prefix 'ana-' meaning 'up' or 'back' and 'paiein' meaning 'to strike'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in poetry to describe a metrical foot consisting of two short syllables followed by one long syllable, the term 'anapest' has evolved to also refer to a metrical foot in which two unstressed syllables are followed by a stressed syllable in English poetry.