What Is Anadiplosis? | Definition & Examples

Anadiplosis is a literary device that puts a word or phrase at the end of one sentence or clause and at the beginning of the subsequent one. Anadiplosis is used to build emphasis or to help the audience follow a line of argument.

Anadiplosis example
In John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech, we find one of the most famous statements of the late 20th century, where the repetition of “can do” and “you” forms a powerful exhortation.

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

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Foreshadowing | Meaning, Definition & Examples

Foreshadowing is a literary device that is found in novels, plays, films, television shows, and even narrative poems. Foreshadowing is when the author includes a hint (sometimes very vague or disguised) about what will happen later in the work. Very often, the audience will not realize that there was foreshadowing until the event hinted at has taken place.

Foreshadowing example
In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth there are many examples of foreshadowing, partly because the play centers around prophecies and the question of fate and self-determination.

One example that is not connected with prophecy occurs when King Duncan laments the treachery of the Thane of Cawdor. Musing on how he had been deceived by Cawdor, he says, “There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust.”

By this he means that Cawdor appeared to be honest and loyal. His next words come as Macbeth enters, and Duncan calls him “O worthiest cousin.” The first part of this exchange is foreshadowing, as Duncan is about to make the exact same mistake again by misjudging Macbeth. There is also dramatic irony here, because the audience knows that Macbeth is already considering a plot against the king.

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Hyperbole | Definition, Examples & Meaning

A hyperbole (pronounced “hy-per-buh-lee”) is a literary device that uses extreme exaggeration to create strong emphasis or to indicate anger or humor.

Hyperbole examples
I have asked you a million times to tidy your room! [No doubt it’s many times, but not a million]

I’m starving! [Rarely true, but an expression of urgent hunger]

We have had the best time imaginable! [Unlikely, depending on how rich your imagination is!]

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What Is Personification? | Definition & Examples

Personification is a literary device whereby something non-human (such as an animal, object, or even abstract idea) is ascribed human qualities. It is used by authors to add drama or interest or to engage their audience.

Personification examples
Fear stalked the village that night as they awaited the coming storm.

The trees and flowers rejoiced in the early spring sunshine.

The cold slapped me in the face.

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What Is Dysphemism? | Meaning & Examples

A dysphemism is an insulting, harsh, or derogatory term that is used in place of something more neutral. It is often used as a means of expressing strong emotion or as a humorous communication between friends.

Dysphemism examples
Being a bean counter had never been Asmita’s childhood ambition; she had just fallen into it after college.

Nothing says “you’re forty” more than a “Happy birthday, you old codger!” card from your younger brother!

The official was a real jobsworth and reveled in turning down applications for the flimsiest of reasons. [Mainly British English]

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What Is Juxtaposition? | Definition & Examples

Juxtaposition is a literary device that involves placing two objects, ideas, or images alongside each other (physically or in the imagination) in order to highlight their differences. In American English, it can also be used when looking at similarities. It is a common feature of literature as well as other fields of communication and public discourse.

Juxtaposition example
In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, Marlow recounts seeing a French man-of-war ship lying off the coast of Africa firing into the bush. Marlow marvels at the insignificance of the ship and its munitions juxtaposed with the continent:

“In the empty immensity of earth, sky, and water, there she was, incomprehensible, firing into a continent. Pop, would go one of the six-inch guns; a small flame would dart and vanish, a little white smoke would disappear, a tiny projectile would give a feeble screech—and nothing happened. Nothing could happen.”

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What Is Verbosity? | Meaning, Definition & Examples

Verbosity describes the tendency to be too wordy when writing or speaking. Verbose sentences or passages can be improved by making them shorter and simpler.

Verbosity example
“First of all, I will check the status of the order by logging on to the website and then entering the order number. Once I’ve done that, I’ll let you know either that the order is ready or, if not, what the status actually is. If it is ready, then you can go to collect it.”

The non-verbose version of this might be “I’ll let you know when the order is ready so you can pick it up.”

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What Is Zeugma? | Definition & Examples

Zeugma [pronounced “zyoog-ma” or “zoog-ma”] is a figure of speech where a single word, especially a verb or adjective, is applied to two or more words, even though it has a different meaning in each context (e.g., “He lost his phone and his temper,” where “lost” has a different meaning in relation to “phone” and “temper”).

Zeugma example
Sean’s dropped catch smashed his finger and the team’s hopes of qualification.

Here, “smashed” is used literally in relation to Sean’s finger and figuratively about the team’s chances.

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What Is an Aphorism? | Definition, Meaning & Examples

An aphorism is a short saying that articulates a generally accepted truth about life. It’s common for them to be humorous or pithy, and at times their meaning might not be immediately obvious. They are commonly found in literature and philosophy, but also occur in day-to-day life.

Aphorism examples
“All that glisters is not gold.” —The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

“Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” —Samuel Johnson

“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does, and that is his.” —The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

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What Is a Truism? | Definition & Examples

A truism is a statement that is so obviously and self-evidently true, that it seems pointless to mention it. Using a truism is often looked down on, but they can be useful when explaining something at a basic level.

Truism example
The shareholders came away from the extraordinary meeting more angry than when they arrived. The board’s explanations were nothing but truism after truism, with no attempt to explain a realistic way forward.

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