Understanding Amphibrach in Poetry and Meter

Amphibrach is a term used in the study of poetry and meter. It refers to a metrical foot that consists of two syllables, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The word "amphibrach" comes from the Greek words "amphi," meaning "both," and "brachys," meaning "short."

In poetry, an amphibrach is a type of metrical foot that is used to create a sense of balance and stability. It is often used in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter in English poetry. An amphibrach is created by using two syllables that are both stressed, with the first syllable receiving more emphasis than the second. This creates a sense of balance and stability, as the stress on both syllables helps to offset any potential imbalance.

Here's an example of an amphibrach in a line of iambic pentameter:

"The rain falls soft upon the ground"

In this line, "rain" is the first syllable of the first foot, and "soft" is the second syllable. Both syllables are stressed, but "rain" receives more emphasis than "soft." This creates an amphibrach, with the first syllable receiving more stress than the second.