antimetrical
|an-ti-met-ri-cal|
/ˌæn.tiˈmɛt.rɪ.kəl/
against measure / not following meter
Etymology
'antimetrical' originates from Greek elements, specifically the prefix 'anti-' and the root 'metron', where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'metron' meant 'measure'.
'antimetrical' was formed in English from classical Greek elements (via Late Latin/Medieval formation such as 'antimetricus' or French 'antimétrique') and eventually became the modern English adjective 'antimetrical'.
Initially, the components signified 'against measure' (literally 'opposed to measure'); over time this developed into the descriptive sense 'not following a metric pattern' or 'irregular in meter' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not conforming to a regular meter or metrical pattern; irregular in rhythm or lacking customary metrical structure (especially in poetry or verse).
The poet deliberately used antimetrical lines to create a dissonant, modern effect.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/04 01:04