What Does Iambic Mean in Poetry?

English Language Learners Definition of iamb
: a unit of rhythm in poetry that consists of one syllable that is not accented or stressed followed by one syllable that is accented or stressed (as in the words away or above)

What is the examples of iambic?

An iamb is a unit of meter with two syllables, where the first syllable is unstressed and the second syllable is stressed. Words such as “attain,” “portray,” and “describe” are all examples of the iambic pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables.

How do you know if a poem is iambic?

In a line of poetry, an 'iamb' is a foot or beat consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. Or another way to think of it it a short syllable followed by a long syllable. For example, deLIGHT, the SUN, forLORN, one DAY, reLEASE.

Robert Thorne

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.