antistrophe

[ an-tis-truh-fee ]

noun

1. the part of an ancient Greek choral ode answering a previous strophe, sung by the chorus when returning from left to right.
2. the movement performed by the chorus while singing an antistrophe.
3. Prosody. the second of two metrically corresponding systems in a poem. Compare strophe ( def 3 ).

antistrophe

/ ˌæntɪˈstrɒfɪk; ænˈtɪstrəfɪ /

noun

1. in ancient Greek drama
   1. the second of two movements made by a chorus during the performance of a choral ode
   2. the second part of a choral ode sung during this movement
2. (in classical prosody) the second of two metrical systems used alternately within a poem

Derived Forms

• ˌantiˈstrophically, adverb
• antistrophic, adjective

Other Words From

• an·ti·stroph·ic [an-t, uh, -, strof, -ik, -, stroh, -fik], an·tistro·phal adjective
• anti·strophi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antistrophe¹

1540–50; < Greek: a turning about. See anti-, strophe

Word History and Origins

Origin of antistrophe¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek antistrophē an answering turn, from anti- + strophē a turning

Example Sentences

In some ways, 20 years later, this is the antistrophe to the famous omelet sequence of Big Night.

From Eater

The two told their story in alternate sentences like the Strophe and Antistrophe of a Greek chorus.

From Project Gutenberg

The conversation was a prolonged paean to the host, with choral strophe and antistrophe.

From Project Gutenberg

Big gun and rifle fire mingled like strophe and antistrophe of an anthem of death.

From Project Gutenberg

This subject, with a recitative in the minor, forms the antistrophe.

From Project Gutenberg

It alternates with a Recitative, which assumes a minor key, and which seems to be its Antistrophe.

From Project Gutenberg