Reading Theme:
Poem Definition, Meaning, and Examples
Meaning 1：a piece of verse (poem)
poem
/ˈpoʊ.əm/
n.
A special kind of writing where words are arranged in short lines, often with a musical rhythm, used to express feelings or tell stories.
a piece of verse
➕
/ə piːs əv vɜːrs/
n.
A poem is a piece of writing in which words are arranged in short lines, often with a pattern of rhythm and rhyme, to express ideas, emotions, or tell a story.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'poiēma' (something made/created), from 'poiein' (to make, create).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a poet 'pouring' emotions into short lines — poem sounds like 'pour' + 'em' (emotion).
📖 Example
In my English class today, a girl read aloud a lovely poem she wrote about spring, and we all clapped for her.
In my English class today, a girl read aloud a lovely poem she wrote about spring, and we all clapped for her.
🔗 Collocations
write a poem – to compose a piece of verse
recite a poem – to read a poem aloud from memory
love poem – a poem expressing romantic feelings
🔄 Synonyms
verse (n.) – a line of writing arranged with a regular rhythm, or a piece of poetry
composition (n.) – a written work, especially one with artistic merit
lyric (n.) – a poem expressing personal emotions, often set to music
🚫 Antonyms
prose (n.) – ordinary written language without metrical structure
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'poem' entered English via Latin 'poema' from Greek 'poiēma'. Ancient Greek poets like Homer composed epic poems, establishing the tradition of verse as a vessel for cultural memory and emotion.
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