What does enjambement mean?
Enjambement is a poetic device in which a sentence or phrase continues into a new line without a pause. This technique can create a sense of urgency or flow, and is often used in modernist poetry to emphasize certain words or phrases. While enjambement can be effective in poetry, it is generally avoided in formal writing in favor of more traditional sentence structures. The use of enjambement can also be seen as a way to challenge traditional notions of grammar and syntax. By pushing the boundaries of language, poets can create new and innovative ways of expressing themselves. Enjambement is a powerful tool in the poet's arsenal, and can be used to great effect in the right context.
nounIn poetry, enjambement is the continuation of a sentence or phrase into a new line without a pause, often creating a sense of urgency or flow.
- In poetry, the continuation of a sentence or phrase into a new line without a pause.
"The poet's use of enjambement in the final stanza added to the overall sense of desperation."
"The poet's use of enjambement in the final stanza added to the overall sense of desperation."
"The professor explained that enjambement was a key feature of modernist poetry."
The plural form 'enjambements' is used when referring to multiple instances of enjambement in a poem or text.
"The poet used several enjambements throughout the poem to create a sense of urgency."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of enjambement
The term 'enjambement' comes from the French word 'enjamber', which means 'to lean on'. This word is derived from 'en' and 'jamber', and refers to the act of leaning on something. In poetry, the term 'enjambement' was first used in the 19th century to describe the technique of continuing a sentence or phrase into a new line without a pause.
How enjambement is actually used
In poetry, enjambement is often used to create a sense of urgency or flow. It can also be used to emphasize certain words or phrases. In formal writing, enjambement is generally avoided in favor of more traditional sentence structures.