anapestically
|an-a-pes-tic-al-ly|
/ˌænəˈpɛstɪkli/
(anapestic)
poetic meter: unstressed-unstressed-stressed
Etymology
'anapestically' originates from English, specifically from the word 'anapestic' with the adverbial suffix '-ally', where 'anapestic' refers to the metrical foot 'anapest'.
'anapestic' comes from the Greek word 'anapaistos', meaning 'struck back' or 'reversed', referring to the metrical pattern. The adverbial form 'anapestically' developed in modern English.
Initially, it referred specifically to the metrical pattern in poetry, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in an anapestic manner; with the rhythm or meter of an anapest (a metrical foot with two short or unstressed syllables followed by one long or stressed syllable).
The poem was written anapestically, giving it a lively rhythm.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/29 16:36