Alexandrine Meaning in English
word
ˌæɫəɡˈzændɹin
al-uhg-ZAN-drin
ˌælɪɡzˈɑːndɹiːn
al-igz-AHN-dreen
Definition
An alexandrine is a line of poetry that has twelve syllables, often found in French poetry and sometimes used in English and other languages.
Usage & Nuances
Used mainly in literary and academic contexts, especially in discussions about poetry forms. Most common in reference to French verse, but sometimes appears in English. Not an everyday term.
Spanish: alejandrino (poesía)Portuguese (BR): alexandrino (poesia)Portuguese (PT): alexandrino (poesia)Chinese (Simplified): 亚历山大诗行Chinese (Traditional): 亞歷山大詩行Hindi: अलेक्ज़ान्ड्रिन (कविता छंद)Arabic: الكسندريني (بحر شعري)Bengali: আলেকজান্দ্রিনRussian: александринJapanese: アレクサンドランVietnamese: alexandrine - thơ alexandrinKorean: 알렉산드린Turkish: aleksandrinUrdu: الیگزینڈرینIndonesian: aleksandrin
Example Sentences
An alexandrine contains twelve syllables in each line.
basic
French poets often use the alexandrine form.
basic
She learned about the alexandrine in her literature class.
basic
The poem’s rhythm changes when the writer switches to an alexandrine.
natural
Not many modern poets write in the alexandrine today.
natural
If you want your poem to sound classical, try using an alexandrine in your verses.
natural