Metrical foot

A metrical foot is a basic unit of measurement in poetry that combines a specific pattern of stressed (emphasized) and unstressed (less emphasized) syllables. Think of it as a building block of a poem’s rhythm. For example, in a "trochee," the pattern is stressed followed by unstressed syllable, creating a rhythmic pattern like "da-DUM." Poets use different combinations of these feet—such as iambs, trochees, or dactyls—to give a poem its melody and structure. Understanding metrical feet helps readers appreciate the musical quality of poetry and the careful patterning of words.