Verse

Definition

A set of lines that follow a regular rhythm and pattern in a poem.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English:

• IPA Pronunciation: /vɜrs/
• Respelling: VURSS (with "UR" representing the sound similar to the 'ur' in "fur")

British English:

• IPA Pronunciation: /vɜːs/
• Respelling: VURS (with "UR" representing a slightly longer vowel sound compared to American English, similar to the 'ur' in "fur")

In both dialects, the word "verse" has a similar pronunciation, with the primary difference being the length of the vowel sound represented by 'ɜ' ('ɜː' in British English is slightly longer).

Etymology

Derived from the Old French "vers", which comes from the Latin "versus", meaning "a line or writing", and is related to the verb "vertere", meaning "to turn".

Derivatives

• Versify
• Versification
• Versifier
• Versicle
• Verso

Synonyms

• Stanza
• Poem
• Rhyme

Antonyms

• Prose
• Paragraph
• Narrative

Usage

• "The second verse of the poem contains a powerful metaphor."
• "She recited the verses with great emotion."

Related Terms

• Poetry
• Rhyme
• Stanza
• Lyric
• Meter

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Poetry Lines: A set of lines in a poem, often following a specific rhythm or rhyme scheme.
• Example: Each verse in the sonnet beautifully captures the essence of love.

• Section of Song: A section of a song preceding the chorus.
• Example: The verse sets the tone before the catchy chorus begins.

• Writing with Meter: A piece of writing that employs a metrical structure, as opposed to prose.
• Example: Many religious texts contain both prose and verse.