Stanza Meaning and Definition
Stanza
Pronunciation
/ˈstænzə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A group of lines in poetry, usually four or more lines, that form a unit or section within a poem.
Examples
- The tercet and quatrain are common stanza forms in free verse poetry.
- The poet organized the narrative into four stanzas, each with a distinct rhythm.
Synonyms
- Verse
- Section
Antonyms
- Sentence
- Poem
Etymology
The word “Stanza” comes from the Italian word “stanzare”, which means “to fence in” or “to enclose”. It was first used in English in the 16th century to describe a group of lines in poetry.
Usage Notes
Stanzas are often used to separate and organize different ideas or themes within a poem. The length and structure of stanzas can vary greatly depending on the poet’s style and intentions.
Cultural References
In popular culture, stanzas are often used to describe and analyze poetry. For example, in the movie “A Room with a View”, the character Lucy Honeychurch writes poetry using stanzas.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“In stanza with” is an idiomatic phrase that means “in harmony with” or “in agreement with”.
Related Words or Phrases
Verse, Poetry, Line, Stanzaic, Quatrain
Collocations
The following words and phrases are commonly used with the term “Stanza”: – Four-line stanza – Five-stanza poem – Stanza breaks – Stanza rhythm
Frequency of Use
The term “Stanza” is commonly used in academic and literary contexts, but it is not as widely used in everyday language.
Common Misspellings
Mistypings of the word “Stanza” include “Stanze”, “Stannza”, and “Stanzae”.