Canto - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A canto is a division within a long poem, similar to a chapter in a book. It helps organize the poem into manageable sections, often used in epic poetry like Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Definition:
A division of a long poem, often one of the main sections in an epic.
Synonyms:
section, part, division, segment
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
whole, entirety
Common Collocations:
epic canto, first canto, final canto, poetic canto
Derivatives:
cantos, canticle
Usage Tips:
Use "canto" to refer to a major section of a lengthy poem, especially in classical or epic works.
Common Phrases:
opening canto, closing canto, Dante's canto
Etymology:
From Italian "canto" (song), derived from Latin "cantus" (singing).
Examples:
- 1. She recited the first canto of the epic poem beautifully.
- 2. Each canto in the book explores a different theme.
- 3. The final canto concludes the hero’s journey dramatically.
- 4. Dante’s *Inferno* is divided into 34 cantos.