Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Metrically incomplete: Describes a line of verse that is missing one or more syllables in its final metrical foot, making it shorter than the expected metrical pattern.

2. Noun:

   • A line of verse with a missing syllable: In prosody, a catalectic is a specific line of poetry that lacks a syllable in the last metrical foot.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • The poet used a catalectic line to create a jarring, abrupt ending.
  • Scanning the verse revealed it was catalectic, missing a final unstressed syllable.

• Noun:

  • The final line of the stanza is a catalectic.
  • He analyzed the poem's structure, noting the use of a catalectic in the third line.

Advanced Usage

• Catalexis: The technical term for the omission of syllables that creates a catalectic line.
  • The effect was achieved through catalexis.

Variants and Related Words

• Acatalectic (adj): A line of verse that is metrically complete.
  • In contrast to the previous line, this one is acatalectic.
• Hypercatalectic (adj): A line of verse that has one or more extra syllables beyond the metrical pattern.
  • The hypercatalectic line added a sense of overflow.

Synonyms

• Truncated (adj): Cut short. (General synonym for the concept of incompleteness).
• Incomplete (adj): Not whole or finished. (General synonym).

Antonyms

• Acatalectic (adj): Metrically complete.
• Hypercatalectic (adj): Having extra metrical syllables.

Adjective

1. (verse) metrically incomplete; especially lacking one or more syllables in the final metrical foot

Noun

1. (prosody) a line of verse that lacks a syllable in the last metrical foot