How Do You Spell ZEUGMA?

Pronunciation: [zjˈuːɡmə] (IPA)

Zeugma is a relatively uncommon word in English that refers to a figure of speech where a single word is used to modify or govern two or more other words, often in an unexpected way. The correct pronunciation of "zeugma" is /ˈzjuːgmə/ with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of the word comes from the Greek word "zeugma" meaning "a yoking" or "a bond" and reflects the idea of linking different words, phrases, or clauses in a single sentence.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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ZEUGMA Meaning and Definition

  1. Zeugma is a rhetorical term used to describe a figure of speech where a single word or phrase is used to connect two or more other words or phrases in a sentence or clause, but in an unexpected or unconventional way. It involves the use of a word that applies to two or more other words, but in different senses or with different meanings, resulting in a clever play on words.

    In zeugma, the word or phrase typically acts as a bridge or link, establishing a connection between different elements of a sentence, often with a humorous or unexpected effect. This figure of speech creates a unique parallelism by combining disparate or incongruent ideas.

    The term "zeugma" originates from the Greek word "zeugnumi," which means "to join" or "to yoke." It figuratively represents the act of bridging or linking together words or phrases.

    For example, the phrase "He opened his wallet and his heart" is a classic illustration of zeugma. In this context, the verb "opened" is used in both a physical sense to describe the action of opening a wallet, as well as a metaphorical sense to describe the emotional act of opening one's heart. The zeugma technique creates a striking and unexpected parallelism between the physical and emotional realms.

    Zeugma is a powerful rhetorical device that adds depth, complexity, and creativity to language, often surprising and captivating the audience. It is commonly employed in literature, poetry, and humor to enhance storytelling and evoke various emotional responses from the readers or listeners.

Common Misspellings for ZEUGMA

Etymology of ZEUGMA

The word "zeugma" derives from the Ancient Greek "zeugma" (ζεῦγμα), which literally means "a yoking together" or "a bond". It is a term that originated in rhetoric to describe a figure of speech in which a word, typically a verb, is used once to govern or modify two or more other words in a sentence, usually with different meanings. The concept of zeugma was adapted into the English language from its Greek roots.

Plural form of ZEUGMA is ZEUGMAS

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Correct spelling for zeugma
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