Iamb (poetry)

Iamb (or iambus) is a metrical foot in poetry. It consists of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable. The pattern is represented as U /, where 'U' denotes an unstressed syllable and '/' denotes a stressed syllable.

The iamb is a foundational element of many poetic forms, particularly iambic pentameter, which is composed of five iambs per line (giving a total of ten syllables). Many famous works of English poetry utilize iambic pentameter, demonstrating its prominence and versatility in English-language verse. The prevalence of the iamb in English poetry is often attributed to the natural rhythm of spoken English.

While the iamb is a common metrical foot, poets frequently employ variations and substitutions, such as spondees (two stressed syllables) or pyrrhic (two unstressed syllables), to create rhythmic complexity and avoid monotony. The precise stress placement can also vary depending on the interpretation of the reader or the poet's intended emphasis. This flexibility allows for a nuanced and expressive use of iambic rhythm. The term itself derives from the Greek word ἴαμβος (iambos), which initially referred to a type of satirical verse.