adjective
metric
Relating to the rhythmic pattern of poetry.
The poem's metric pattern gives each line a steady beat.
Etymology
The Greek source means measure. In poetry, the adjective refers to the measured pattern of stresses or syllables that constitutes verse meter.
More examples
- We mark stressed syllables to identify the poem's metric structure.
- A metric shift interrupts the verse's otherwise regular rhythm.
- The translation preserves the original poem's metric pattern.
Forms
metrically adverb — With respect to a poem's meter.
Similar words
- metrical
- The more usual adjective for meter specifically in poetry.
- rhythmic
- Describes patterns of beats in poetry, music, or movement.