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prosody

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noun pros·o·dy \ˈprä-sə-dē, -zə-\

Definition of prosody

plural

prosodies

  1. 1 :  the study of versification; especially :  the systematic study of metrical structure

  2. 2 :  a particular system, theory, or style of versification

  3. 3 :  the rhythmic and intonational aspect of language

prosodist

play \-dist\ noun

See prosody defined for English-language learners

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Origin and Etymology of prosody

Middle English, from Latin prosodia accent of a syllable, from Greek prosōidia song sung to instrumental music, accent, from pros in addition to + ōidē song — more at pros-, ode


First Known Use: 15th century

Other Literature Terms

apophasis, bathos, bildungsroman, bowdlerize, caesura, coda, doggerel, euphemism, poesy

PROSODY Defined for English Language Learners

prosody

play
noun

Definition of prosody for English Language Learners

  • : the rhythm and pattern of sounds of poetry and language

Learn More about prosody

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prosody

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