Anacrusis – Definition & Meaning

Conclusion

Anacrusis is a term that is commonly used in music, poetry, and literature. It is a word that is not often heard outside of these fields, but it is an important concept to understand for anyone who is interested in these areas. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anacrusis, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and provide example sentences to help you understand the term better.

Definitions

Anacrusis is defined as the unaccented syllable or syllables that precede the first accented syllable of a poetic or musical phrase. It is also known as a pickup or a pick-up note. In music, it is the note or notes that come before the first strong beat of a measure.

Origin

The word anacrusis comes from the Greek word “anakrousis,” which means “pushing up.” It was first used in the context of music in the 19th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, anacrusis is defined as “one or more syllables at the beginning of a line of verse that are not counted as part of the first foot.” In the Oxford English Dictionary, it is defined as “an unstressed syllable or syllables at the beginning of a verse, line, or phrase that precedes the regular meter.”

Associations

Anacrusis is commonly associated with music and poetry. It is an important concept in these fields because it affects the rhythm and flow of the piece. Anacrusis can also be found in literature, where it is used to create a sense of anticipation or to set the tone for the rest of the work.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for anacrusis include pickup, upbeat, lead-in, and introductory note.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for anacrusis, but it can be contrasted with the downbeat, which is the first strong beat of a measure.

The same root words

There are no root words for anacrusis, but it is derived from the Greek word “anakrousis.”

Example Sentences

  1. The anacrusis in the song sets the tone for the rest of the piece.
  2. The poet used an anacrusis to create a sense of anticipation in the first line of the poem.
  3. The musician added an anacrusis to the beginning of the measure to create a more interesting rhythm.

Anacrusis is an important concept in music, poetry, and literature. It is the unaccented syllable or syllables that come before the first accented syllable of a phrase. Anacrusis affects the rhythm and flow of a piece and is commonly used to create a sense of anticipation or to set the tone for the rest of the work. Understanding the meaning of anacrusis can help you appreciate the artistry of music, poetry, and literature.

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