What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stanza
Example
The poem has four stanzas, each with six lines. [stanza: noun]
Example
The third stanza of the poem introduces a new theme. [stanza: noun]
Example
The chorus is a repeated stanza in the song. [stanza: noun]
canto
Example
Dante's Inferno is divided into 34 cantos. [canto: noun]
Example
The first canto of the poem sets the scene for the rest of the story. [canto: noun]
Example
The soprano soloist sang the final canto of the cantata. [canto: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stanza is a more common term than canto in everyday language, as it is used in shorter poems and songs. Canto is more often used in longer works, such as epics or narrative poems.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stanza and canto?
Both stanza and canto are formal terms used in poetry and literature, and are not typically used in casual conversation or everyday writing.
