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Wordabulary

iambic pentameter

Pronunciation
Noun B2 Upper-intermediate

Quick answer

A rhythm in poetry with five pairs of syllables in each line, where each pair has an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one.

"Shakespeare wrote most of his plays in iambic pentameter."

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "Shakespeare wrote most of his plays in _____."

Answer: iambic pentameter

In your own words, what does "iambic pentameter" mean?

A rhythm in poetry with five pairs of syllables in each line, where each pair has an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one.

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