key term - Meter

Definition

Meter refers to the rhythmic structure of a poem, created by patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables. It determines the overall rhythm and musicality of a poem.

Related terms

Accented Syllables: These are syllables in words that receive more emphasis or stress when spoken aloud.

Unaccented Syllables: These are syllables in words that receive less emphasis or stress when spoken aloud.

Foot:

A foot is a unit of measurement in poetry that consists of one stressed syllable and one or more unstressed syllables.