Trochaic

/trəʊˈkeɪɪk/
adjective

Relating to the type of line in poetry that has a pattern of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable.

Shakespeare's plays often use trochaic meter in their dialogues.
Visual representation of "trochaic" - Relating to the type of line in poetry that has a pattern of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable.

Often appears as...

  • trochaic tetrameter
  • trochaic verse

Usage tips

Literary

adjective

Relating to the type of line in poetry that has a pattern of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable.

Shakespeare's plays often use trochaic meter in their dialogues.
Visual representation of "trochaic" - Relating to the type of line in poetry that has a pattern of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable.

Often appears as...

  • trochaic tetrameter
  • trochaic verse

Usage tips

Literary

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "trochaic"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Poetry Rhythm

Trochaic describes a rhythmic pattern in poetry, creating a beat like a heartbeat or a march.

Illustration for Poetry Rhythm
Picture the trochaic rhythm as 'DUM-da, DUM-da' in poems.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common in Names

Many popular English names have a trochaic rhythm, making it a familiar pattern.

Illustration for Common in Names
Names like 'Taylor' or 'Logan' are trochaic.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Accentual Verse

Trochaic meter is used to highlight important words or themes within a line of poetry.

Illustration for Accentual Verse
In 'Tyger Tyger, burning bright,' 'Tyger' is emphasized by trochaic rhythm.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Poetry Rhythm

Trochaic describes a rhythmic pattern in poetry, creating a beat like a heartbeat or a march.

Illustration for Poetry Rhythm
Picture the trochaic rhythm as 'DUM-da, DUM-da' in poems.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common in Names

Many popular English names have a trochaic rhythm, making it a familiar pattern.

Illustration for Common in Names
Names like 'Taylor' or 'Logan' are trochaic.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Accentual Verse

Trochaic meter is used to highlight important words or themes within a line of poetry.

Illustration for Accentual Verse
In 'Tyger Tyger, burning bright,' 'Tyger' is emphasized by trochaic rhythm.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Poetry Rhythm

Trochaic describes a rhythmic pattern in poetry, creating a beat like a heartbeat or a march.

Illustration for Poetry Rhythm
Picture the trochaic rhythm as 'DUM-da, DUM-da' in poems.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common in Names

Many popular English names have a trochaic rhythm, making it a familiar pattern.

Illustration for Common in Names
Names like 'Taylor' or 'Logan' are trochaic.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Accentual Verse

Trochaic meter is used to highlight important words or themes within a line of poetry.

Illustration for Accentual Verse
In 'Tyger Tyger, burning bright,' 'Tyger' is emphasized by trochaic rhythm.
Visual representation of the word "Trochaic"

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Video examples

Why Shakespeare loved...

the characters switch to iambic pentameter when speaking about their emotions and their place in the world. Which leaves just one last question. Why did Shakespeare choose iambic pentameter for these moments, rather than, say, trochaic hexameter or dactylic tetrameter?

Video examples

Why Shakespeare loved...

the characters switch to iambic pentameter when speaking about their emotions and their place in the world. Which leaves just one last question. Why did Shakespeare choose iambic pentameter for these moments, rather than, say, trochaic hexameter or dactylic tetrameter?

Example 1 of 1
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