The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

stanza

IPA:

Dictionary definition of stanza

A division or unit of a poem, typically consisting of a group of lines set apart from other groups by spacing or indentation.
"The first stanza of the poem beautifully set the scene with vivid imagery."

Detailed meaning of stanza

It is a structural element in poetry that helps organize and shape the overall composition. Each stanza in a poem usually follows a specific pattern or form, such as having a fixed number of lines, a particular rhyme scheme, or a specific meter. Stanzas provide a sense of rhythm, balance, and visual structure to the poem, allowing the poet to convey meaning and evoke emotions through the arrangement and interplay of words. They can vary in length, from just a couple of lines to multiple lines, and they often contribute to the overall flow and progression of the poem. Stanzas serve as building blocks that allow poets to shape their thoughts, explore different ideas, create contrast or parallelism, and establish a distinct poetic voice within their work.

Example sentences containing stanza

1. She carefully crafted each stanza to create a sense of anticipation and tension.
2. The poet used a four-line stanza to convey a concise yet powerful message.
3. I found solace in the final stanza of the poem, which offered a glimmer of hope.
4. The poem consisted of three stanzas, each exploring a different aspect of love.
5. The rhythmic flow of the stanza added to the musicality of the spoken word performance.
6. In the second stanza, the poet introduced a sudden shift in tone, surprising the reader.

History and etymology of stanza

The noun 'stanza' carries a poetic lineage that can be traced back through literary history. Its origins lie in the Italian word 'stancia,' which referred to a room or a stopping place. This word was adopted into English during the 16th century, and over time, it came to signify a distinct division or unit within a poem, often set apart from other units by spacing or indentation. Just as a room serves as a defined space within a building, a stanza serves as a defined space within a poem, with each stanza contributing to the poem's overall structure and meaning.

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Further usage examples of stanza

1. The short, two-line stanza served as a poignant refrain throughout the poem.
2. The poet's use of enjambment created a seamless transition from one stanza to the next.
3. The final stanza echoed the opening lines, bringing the poem full circle.
4. Each stanza of the epic poem revealed a new chapter in the hero's journey.
5. The poet played with spacing and indentation to visually emphasize the structure of each stanza.
6. Each stanza reveals a different aspect of the poem's theme.
7. The final stanza leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
8. Analyzing the poem's structure, I noted five stanzas.
9. The poet's use of enjambment bridges stanzas gracefully.
10. The third stanza introduces a surprising twist.
11. This sonnet consists of three quatrains and a final stanza.
12. The stanza break emphasizes the shift in tone.
13. Each stanza captures a moment of profound emotion.
14. The poem's first stanza sets the scene beautifully.
15. The concluding stanza offers a message of hope.
16. The haiku's three-line stanza adheres to a strict form.
17. The fifth stanza conveys a sense of longing.
18. The poet chose a unique stanza structure for this work.
19. The poem's final stanza brings closure to the narrative.
20. The stanza's rhythm enhances the poem's musicality.
21. The second stanza delves deeper into the subject.
22. The stanza break emphasizes a pause in the narrative.
23. I appreciate the simplicity of the poem's three stanzas.
24. The opening stanza draws the reader into the poem.
25. The middle stanza explores the poem's central theme.