Zeugma definitions
| Word backwards | amguez |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Zeugma is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | zeug-ma |
| Plural | The plural of the word "zeugma" is "zeugmata." |
| Total letters | 6 |
| Vogais (3) | e,u,a |
| Consonants (3) | z,g,m |
Zeugma is a rhetorical device that involves using a word to modify or govern two or more words in a sentence. This creates a clever, often humorous effect that plays on the different meanings of the word used. It is a literary technique that adds depth and complexity to the writing, engaging the reader in a unique way.
The Origin of Zeugma
The term "zeugma" comes from the Greek word meaning "yoking" or "bonding." It refers to the way a single word is "yoked" with two parts of a sentence, connecting them in a novel and unexpected manner. Zeugma has been used in literature for centuries, with famous examples found in the works of great writers such as Shakespeare, Dickens, and Joyce.
Types of Zeugma
There are several types of zeugma, including grammatical zeugma, where a word governs or modifies each of the parts of the sentence differently, and semantic zeugma, where a word has different meanings with each part of the sentence. This rhetorical device adds layers of meaning to the text, allowing for wordplay and creative expression.
Examples of Zeugma
Some examples of zeugma include phrases like "She opened the door and her heart to the orphan," where the verb "opened" is used to convey two different actions with "the door" and "her heart." Another example is "He lost his coat and his temper," where the verb "lost" is applied to both "his coat" and "his temper," each in a different sense.
Zeugma is a powerful literary tool that can create memorable and impactful sentences. It challenges the reader to think in new ways and adds a layer of sophistication to the writing. By using zeugma, writers can infuse their work with creativity, wit, and depth, making it more engaging and memorable for their audience.
Zeugma Examples
- She opened her heart and her wallet to the charity event.
- He lost his keys and his temper at the party.
- I will extinguish the flames and your doubts.
- He broke her heart and his promise.
- She laughed and sang her way through the day.
- He took his medicine and his time on the assignment seriously.
- The politician lost his cool and the election.
- She turned heads and her ankle in those high heels.
- They shared their secrets and a cab ride home.
- He felt a mix of excitement and fear as he approached the stage.