Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hemistich

noun
/hɛˈmɪstɪk/
Definition
A half-line of verse, often used in poetry to create a pause or break.
Examples
  • The poet employed a hemistich to emphasize the importance of the moment.
  • Each hemistich of the couplet carried significant meaning.
  • Hemistichs can create a dramatic pause within a line of poetry.
Meaning
Hemistich refers to either of the two parts of a verse or line of poetry that is split into two. It is commonly used in classical poetry and can add rhythm to verses.
Synonyms
  • half-line
  • half-verse