caesura
Say it: sih-ZYUR-uh /sɪˈzjʊərə/ · noun
What “caesura” means
A pause within a line of poetry.
More precisely: A pause or break in the middle of a line of verse.
Example: “Notice the caesura after 'Stop' that makes you stop too.”
When to use it
In poetry study, when discussing a deliberate pause within a verse line and its effect on rhythm.
Memory trick
Its Latin root means 'a cutting': picture a pause cutting into a line.
Similar words
pause, break, rest
Where it comes from
Latin caesura, 'a cutting'.
Quick check
While reading a verse line aloud, you pause halfway through before continuing the same line. What is that break?
a caesura or enjambment?
Show the answer
a caesura
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