Learn English – the difference between a “stanza” and a “verse”, as applied to English literature

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What is the difference between 'stanza' and 'verse' in English Literature (Poetry)? I've read one of my classmate's essays and the word 'verse' cropped up – I thought that the word 'verse' was usually used for song/lyrics and was quite confused when it was used in that context (Poem analysis).

Best Answer

From what I'm reading here.

  1. A group of lines forming the basic recurring metrical unit in a poem; a verse.

The two are synonyms.

From: Dictionary.com

But I think the difference is that a stanza is more about structure, whereas a verse is less about rhyming scheme and more just a way to identify sections of a piece of writing.