envoi
Definition
Noun: 1. A short concluding stanza in a poem: An "envoi" is a brief, separate section at the end of a poem, especially in certain fixed forms like ballades or sestinas. It often serves to address a person, dedicate the poem, or summarize its themes.
Usage
The word "envoi" is used specifically in the context of poetic structure and literary analysis. It refers to the formal, concluding part of a poem. - The poet used a four-line envoi to address his patron directly. - A traditional ballade typically ends with an envoi.
Advanced Usage
- Metaphorical Use: Sometimes used metaphorically to describe a short concluding section or remark in a speech or piece of writing that serves as a final send-off or summary.
- The speaker's heartfelt thanks served as a perfect envoi to the evening's proceedings.
Variants and Related Words
- Envoy: This is a common alternate spelling for "envoi" in the poetic context. (Note: "Envoy" also has a separate, more common meaning: a diplomatic representative).
- Stanza: A grouped set of lines within a poem.
- Coda: A concluding section of a musical piece or, by extension, any concluding event.
Synonyms
- Conclusion
- Final stanza
- Postscript (in a broader, non-poetic sense)
Antonyms
- Introduction
- Opening stanza
- Prelude
Noun
-
a brief stanza concluding certain forms of poetry
