The spelling of "feminine rhyme" is based on its pronunciation, which can be transcribed as /ˈfɛmənɪn raɪm/. The word "feminine" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, represented by the symbol /ˈfɛmənɪn/, and rhymes with words such as "medicine" and "Leonine". The word "rhyme" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, represented by the symbol /raɪm/, and rhymes with words such as "time" and "mime". Together, "feminine rhyme" refers to a specific type of rhyme in poetry.
Feminine rhyme is a specific type of rhyme that occurs when the last two syllables of two or more lines in a poem rhyme with each other. In this type of rhyme, the stressed syllable is followed by one or more unstressed syllables. Feminine rhyme is also known as double rhyme, multiple rhyme, or extra-syllable rhyme.
Unlike masculine rhyme, which consists of a single stressed syllable followed by one or more unstressed syllables, feminine rhyme adds an additional unstressed syllable to the end of a line. This extra syllable often helps to create a musical or flowing sound, enhancing the overall rhythm and melody of a poem.
Feminine rhyme can be found in a variety of poetic forms, such as sonnets, ballads, and narrative poems. By using feminine rhyme, poets can add variety to their work and create a more harmonious and pleasing sound. It can also be used to add emphasis to certain words or to create a specific mood or tone within a poem.
Overall, feminine rhyme is a poetic device that adds musicality and rhythm to a poem by pairing the last two syllables of multiple lines. With its distinctive end sounds and additional unstressed syllables, feminine rhyme contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal and impact of a poem.
The word "feminine rhyme" originated from the combination of two different words.
1. "Feminine" comes from the Latin word "femina", meaning "woman" or "female". It refers to qualities, characteristics, or elements associated with women.
2. "Rhyme" comes from the Old French word "rime", which originates from the Latin word "rhythmus" and the Greek word "rhythmos". It refers to the repetition of similar sounds at the ends of lines or words in poetry.
Therefore, "feminine rhyme" combines these two terms to describe a type of rhyme in poetry where the rhyming occurs on the final unstressed syllables of words, typically found in the last syllable of the word. This type of rhyme is often associated with more delicate or feminine qualities.