verse
VERSS
/vɜːs/
Writing arranged with a metrical rhythm; poetry as distinguished from prose; or a single metric line.
Can refer broadly to poetry in general, a specific stanza, or a single line.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'versus' (a line of writing, literally 'a turning'), past participle of 'vertere' (to turn), because the writer 'turns' to start a new line.
Word relationships
- poetry: 'Poetry' is the broad art form; 'verse' emphasizes the metrical structure of individual lines.
- prose: Prose is written in ordinary paragraph form without metric lineation.
Commonly confused with
- prose: Verse has line breaks and meter; prose flows naturally across margins.
Word family
- versify (verb): To turn into verse.
Collocations
- free verse
- blank verse
- composed in verse
- first verse
Idioms & expressions
- chapter and verse
Example sentences
- "The ancient epic was handed down through generations in rhythmic verse." Literature overview
Memory hook
When writing VERSE, you turn around at the end of every line. Metrical writing with line breaks.
When not to use
Avoid confusing a song 'verse' (section between choruses) with general poetic 'verse'.
Fun facts
- 'Blank verse' means unrhymed poetry written specifically in iambic pentameter.
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