What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quatrain
Example
The poem consists of several quatrains, each with its own rhyme scheme. [quatrain: noun]
Example
She wrote a quatrain about the changing seasons. [quatrain: noun]
Example
The poet used a quatrain to express his thoughts on love. [quatrain: noun]
stanza
Example
The poem has three stanzas, each with its own theme. [stanza: noun]
Example
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. [stanza: noun]
Example
The poet used a six-line stanza to convey a sense of longing. [stanza: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stanza is a more commonly used term than quatrain in everyday language and is more versatile in its usage. Quatrain is a more specific term used primarily in poetry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quatrain and stanza?
Both quatrain and stanza are formal terms used in poetry and are not commonly used in everyday language.