tetrameter

Tetrameter is a form of poetic meter in which each line contains four metrical feet. The nature of the feet determines the specific tetrameter form. The most common is iambic tetrameter, in which each foot is an iamb (an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one), yielding a rhythm of da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM. Other common variants include trochaic tetrameter (DUM-da, four feet), anapestic tetrameter (da-da-DUM da-da-DUM da-da-DUM da-da-DUM), and dactylic tetrameter (DUM-da-da DUM-da-da DUM-da-da DUM-da-da). Less common is spondaic tetrameter, consisting of four stressed syllables, used sparingly for emphasis.

In English-language poetry, iambic tetrameter is especially associated with ballads and hymns. The ballad stanza typically employs tetrameter in the first and third lines paired with shorter trimeter lines in the second and fourth, creating a memorable, singable cadence. Tetrameter lines can appear in longer poems as well, where the regular four-foot measure provides a steady pace that contrasts with, or transitions to, other meters. Beyond English, tetrameter occurs in various languages with analogous four-foot patterns, each shaping the line’s tempo and emphasis.

Overall, tetrameter is valued for its balance between regularity and flexibility, enabling a conversational cadence while maintaining formal structure.