Antimetabole meaning

Antimetabole is a rhetorical device that involves repeating a phrase in reverse order to create parallel structure and emphasize a point.


Antimetabole definitions

Word backwards elobatemitna
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division an-ti-me-ta-bole
Plural Antimetaboles
Total letters 12
Vogais (4) a,i,e,o
Consonants (5) n,t,m,b,l

Antimetabole: A Powerful Rhetorical Device

Antimetabole is a figure of speech that involves the repetition of words in reverse order. This rhetorical device is often used to emphasize a particular point or to create a memorable phrase. By repeating words in reverse order, antimetabole can help to reinforce an idea or argument in the minds of the audience.

How Antimetabole Works

Antimetabole typically involves repeating a phrase or clause, but in reverse order. This can create a sense of balance and symmetry in the sentence, making it more pleasing to the ear and easier to remember. For example, John F. Kennedy's famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," is a perfect example of antimetabole in action.

Examples of Antimetabole

Antimetabole can be found in many famous speeches, quotes, and literary works. Some examples include Martin Luther King Jr.'s statement, "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools," and Benjamin Franklin's words, "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Impact of Antimetabole

Antimetabole is a powerful rhetorical device that can help to persuade, inspire, or motivate an audience. By repeating key words or phrases in reverse order, speakers and writers can make their message more impactful and memorable. This technique is often used in political speeches, advertising slogans, and other forms of persuasive communication.

In Conclusion

Antimetabole is a valuable tool for anyone looking to make a strong impression with their words. By using this rhetorical device effectively, speakers and writers can create more engaging and memorable messages that resonate with their audience. Whether used in speeches, essays, or everyday conversation, antimetabole can help to make your words more powerful and persuasive.


Antimetabole Examples

  1. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
  2. "You can take the teacher out of the classroom, but you can't take the classroom out of the teacher."
  3. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."
  4. "Don't sweat the small stuff, but do sweat the big stuff."
  5. "I work to live, not live to work."
  6. "Love is not about finding the right person, it's about being the right person."
  7. "Don't let your dreams be dreams, make your dreams a reality."
  8. "It's not where you start in life, but where life starts in you."
  9. "We should eat to live, not live to eat."
  10. "In life, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey."


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  • Updated 27/06/2024 - 06:05:01