HOW TO SAY PYRRHICS?

PYRRHICS - Say it right: Pronouncing Pyrrhics in 2023

How do you pronounce the word 'pyrrhic'?
What is the stress pattern in pyrrhics?
Can you give me an alternative pronunciation for the word 'pyrrhic'?
Definition:
Pyrrhics are short, metrical feet in poetry consisting of two unstressed syllables.
Pyrrhics are often used in classical poetry to create a light and unemphatic rhythm.
They are the opposite of a spondee, which consists of two stressed syllables.
Pronunciation:
To pronounce pyrrhics, say the word 'pyrrhic' with the stress on the first syllable and pronounce it as 'PIR-ik'.
Some alternative pronunciations include 'PIR-ik' or 'PER-ik' with the stress on the first syllable.
Test yourself by speaking the following examples:
1. The poet used a series of pyrrhics to create a soft and flowing rhythm in the poem
2. Iambic pentameter often includes pyrrhics to add variation and subtle emphasis
3. The use of pyrrhics in the sonnet helped create a light and delicate tone
Hope it will help you to answer on the following questions:
1. Why are pyrrhics used in classical poetry?
2. Can pyrrhics be used in modern poetry as well?
3. What is the difference between a pyrrhic and a spondee in terms of metrical feet?
Last updated: October, 2023