iambic

C2 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /aɪˈæm.bɪk/ UK /aɪˈæm.bɪk/ See IPA manual

Freq #66685

Meanings

1

adj
composed of or characterized by iambs, metrical feet in which an unstressed syllable is followed by a stressed one

The speech settles into an iambic rhythm that gives each line a steady forward movement.
2

noun
a line, passage, or composition written in iambic meter

The anthology closes with an iambic that mocks a boastful politician.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adj · composed of or... iambian

2 noun · a line, passage, or... iambic verse

Opposites

trochaic

Word family

Forms iambics

Derived forms iambically

Related forms iambmeterpentametertrochee

Etymology

Through Late Latin iambicus from Ancient Greek iambikos, 'iambic,' from iambos, the name of an iamb or an iambic poem. The further origin of the Greek word is uncertain. The noun use developed from the adjective and can denote a line or composition in iambic meter.

Topics

Describing Qualities Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# iambic

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** adj, noun
**IPA (US):** /aɪˈæm.bɪk/
**IPA (UK):** /aɪˈæm.bɪk/
**Frequency rank:** 66685

## Meanings
1. composed of or characterized by iambs, metrical feet in which an unstressed syllable is followed by a stressed one
2. a line, passage, or composition written in iambic meter

## Examples
- The speech settles into an iambic rhythm that gives each line a steady forward movement.
- The anthology closes with an iambic that mocks a boastful politician.

## Synonyms
- iambian
- iambic verse

## Antonyms
- trochaic

## Derived Forms
- iambically

## Related Forms
- iamb
- meter
- pentameter
- trochee

## Etymology
Through Late Latin iambicus from Ancient Greek iambikos, 'iambic,' from iambos, the name of an iamb or an iambic poem. The further origin of the Greek word is uncertain. The noun use developed from the adjective and can denote a line or composition in iambic meter.

## Topics
- Describing Qualities
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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