anapest

noun

an·a·pest ˈa-nə-ˌpest

: a metrical foot consisting of two short syllables followed by one long syllable or of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable (such as unaware)

anapestic

ˌa-nə-ˈpe-stik

adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

Latin anapaestus, from Greek anapaistos, literally, struck back (a dactyl reversed), from ana- + -paistos, verbal of paiein to strike

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of anapest was in 1596

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Anapest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anapest. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

anapest

noun

an·a·pest ˈan-ə-ˌpest

: a metrical foot consisting of two unaccented syllables followed by one accented syllable (as in the accused)

anapestic

ˌan-ə-ˈpes-tik

adjective

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anapest

noun

Word History

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Kids Definition