Epistrophe | Meaning, Usage & Examples
Epistrophe is a literary device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive lines or phrases. It is used to draw attention to the words, usually because they are of great significance in the text.
“And I am whatever you say I am
If I wasn’t, then why would I say I am?
In the paper, the news, every day I am
(Ha) I don’t know, that’s just the way I am.”
Epistrophe definition
Epistrophe is the combination of two Greek words, “epi” meaning “upon” and “strophe” meaning “turning.” This idea of “turning upon” in the sense of turning back, or repeating, is reflected in the meaning of epistrophe, where a word or phrase is repeated at the end of a clause, sentence, or line of poetry.
The repetition gives more weight to the repeated words and makes the ideas associated with them easier to remember, especially in speeches and talks. The main effects of epistrophe include:
- Creating rhythm and familiarity
- Giving a sense of urgency or adding emotional weight
- Reinforcing an idea or concept
Anaphora vs epistrophe
Like epistrophe, anaphora involves the repetition of a word or phrase. However, they differ because anaphora is when the repetition is at the beginning of a phrase, sentence, or line, and with epistrophe, the repetition is at the end.
| Anaphora | “Buckets of rain Buckets of tears, Got all them buckets comin’ out of my ears, Buckets of moonbeams in my hand.” —Bob Dylan “Buckets of Rain” |
| Epistrophe | “She takes just like a woman, yes, she does She makes love just like a woman, yes, she does And she aches just like a woman But she breaks just like a little girl.” —Bob Dylan “Just Like a Woman” |
Epistrophe examples
Epistrophe helps to build momentum and rhythm, so it is often found in speeches. It helps to highlight important points, and it helps the listener to remember the points being made.
“I know it can be done. Reason tells me it can be done. The people throughout this movement, who I know in huge majority share all these perceptions and visions and want to give all their energies, they know it can be done.” —Neil Kinnock, speech to the Labour Party conference, 1983
Epistrophe can be found in poetry and song, where it adds both emphasis and rhythm.
And watch the rain fall – watch it – watch it –
Tumble and fall – tumble and falling –
Like our lives – like our lives
Just like our lives.” —The Jam, “Wasteland”
Frequently asked questions about epistrophe
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Marshall, T. (2024, December 18). Epistrophe | Meaning, Usage & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved June 17, 2025, from https://www.scribbr.com/rhetoric/epistrophe/
