SYLLEPSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Syllepsis is a figure of speech that involves the use of a single word to modify or relate to two or more other words in a sentence, even though the word changes its meaning or grammatical function when used with different words. It is a rhetorical device commonly used to create humor, surprise, or wit in sentence construction.
In syllepsis, a word acts as a common element to link different parts of a sentence, often resulting in a play on words or incongruous associations. By using one word to convey different meanings or grammatical relationships within a sentence, syllepsis helps to create unexpected connections or contrasts in the reader's or listener's mind.
For instance, a classic example of syllepsis can be found in the sentence: "He lost his wallet and his temper." Here, the word "lost" is used in different contexts with different meanings: losing a physical object (wallet) and losing emotional composure (temper). The grammatical function and meaning of "lost" change in relation to the different words it modifies.
Syllepsis serves as a linguistic tool to emphasize the contrasts, ironies, or unexpected connections between words within a sentence. Its purpose is to engage the audience or reader by manipulating language and syntax in a clever and surprising manner.
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In gram., a figure by which we accept the sense of words rather by the intention of the author than by their strict grammatical import; the agreement of a verb or adjective with one rather than another of two nouns, with either of which it might agree.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SYLLEPSIS
- ayllepsis
- zyllepsis
- xyllepsis
- dyllepsis
- eyllepsis
- wyllepsis
- stllepsis
- sgllepsis
- shllepsis
- sullepsis
- s7llepsis
- s6llepsis
- syklepsis
- syplepsis
- syolepsis
- sylkepsis
- sylpepsis
- syloepsis
- syllwpsis
Etymology of SYLLEPSIS
The word "syllepsis" is derived from the Greek word "sullepsis", which means "a taking together". It is a combination of the prefix "syn-" meaning "together" and the verb "lambanein" meaning "to take". The term "syllepsis" refers to a grammatical construction where a word is used in a way that applies to multiple parts of a sentence but, grammatically, only makes complete sense with one of them.
Similar spelling words for SYLLEPSIS
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