More specifically, the meter used in sonnets is usually iambic pentameter. This means each line has ten syllables, arranged in five pairs of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable (da-DUM).
Here's a breakdown:
* Meter: The rhythmic pattern of a line of poetry.
* Iamb: A metrical foot consisting of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable (da-DUM).
* Pentameter: A line of poetry consisting of five metrical feet.
So, iambic pentameter creates a consistent rhythm of ten syllables per line, with a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables that gives the sonnet its distinct sound.