zeugma figure of speech examples sentences

Zeugma Definition

Zeugma, from Greek meaning “yoking” or “bonding,” is a figure of speech in which a word, usually a verb or an adjective , applies to more than one noun , blending together grammatically and logically different ideas.

For instance, in the sentence , “John lost his coat and his temper,” the verb “lost” applies to both the nouns “coat” and “temper.” Losing a coat and losing temper are logically and grammatically different ideas, which are brought together in this sentence. Zeugma, when used skillfully, produces a unique artistic effect, making the literary works more interesting and effective as it serves to adorn expressions, and to add emphasis to ideas in impressive style .

Zeugma and Syllepsis

The Zeugma is sometimes differentiated from “syllepsis.” Like zeugma, syllepsis also employs the technique of using a single verb for more than one part in a sentence, but where that single verb applies grammatically and logically to only one. For example, in the sentence, “They saw lots of thunder and lightning,” the verb “saw” is logically correct only for the lightning, as thunder is “heard.”

Similarly, Tennyson’s line from Ulysses , “He works his work, I mine” is an example of syllepsis, as the verb “works” is grammatically correct with the first person pronoun “he,” but it is incorrect grammar to say “I works mine.” Despite this distinction, syllepsis is often considered a kind of zeugma. Bryan A. Garner gives his views about the distinction between zeugma and syllepsis in The Oxford Dictionary of American Usage and Style :

“Although commentators have historically tried to distinguish between zeugma and syllepsis, the distinctions have been confusing and contradictory. We’re better off using zeugma  in its broadest sense and not confusing matters by introducing  syllepsis , a little-known term the meaning of which even the experts can’t agree on.”

Zeugma Examples from Literature

Example #1: the holy bible , exodus 20:18 (by the prophet moses).

“And all the people saw the thundering, and the lightning, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.”

Example #2: Julius Caesar (By William Shakespeare)

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.”

Example #3: Of Studies (By Francis Bacon)

“Histories make men wise; poets, witty; the mathematics, subtle; natural philosophy, deep; moral , grave; logic and rhetoric , able to contend.”

Example #4: The Rape of the Lock, Canto III (By Alexander Pope)

“Here Thou, great Anna! whom three Realms obey, Dost sometimes Counsel take – and sometimes Tea.”

Example #5: The Rape of the Lock (By Alexander Pope)

“Whether the nymph shall break Diana’s law, Or some frail China-jar receive a flaw, Or stain her honour, or her new brocade.”

Example #6: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (By Mark Twain)

“[They] covered themselves with dust and glory.”

Example #7: The Pickwick Papers (By Charles Dickens)

“Miss Bolo […] went straight home, in a flood of tears and a sedan-chair.”

Example #8: Oliver Twist (By Charles Dickens)

“[H]e was alternately cudgelling his brains and his donkey when, passing the workhouse, his eyes encountered the bill on the gate.”

Example #9: Essay on Man (By Alexander Pope)

“Who sees with equal eye, as God of all, A hero perish, or a sparrow fall, Atoms or systems into ruin hurled, And now a bubble burst, and now a world.”

Example #10: The Hundred Secret Senses (By Amy Tan)

“We were partners, not soul mates, two separate people who happened to be sharing a menu and a life.”

Example #11: Have Some Madeira, M’Dear (By Flanders and Swann)

“She lowered her standards by raising her glass, Her courage , her eyes and his hopes.”

Example #12: The Things They Carried (By Tim O’Brien)

“But Ted Lavender, who was scared, carried 34 rounds when he was shot and killed outside Than Khe, and he went down under an exceptional burden, more than 20 pounds of ammunition, plus the flak jacket and helmet and rations and water and toilet paper and tranquilizers and all the rest, plus an unweighed fear.”

Function of Zeugma

The above examples of Zeugma show that this literary device may create confusing or dangling sentences. However, if used correctly, it adds flavor to literary texts as it helps produce a dramatic effect, which could possibly be shocking in its result. Zeugma examples are also in literary works of famous writers and poets from several centuries ago, to add vividness and conciseness to their texts.

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Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of zeugma.

A zeugma is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase joins together two distinct parts of a sentence. There are a few different definitions of zeugma that illustrate the ways in which this figure of speech works. The most common definition of zeugma is a word that is used once, but works in two different ways, such as in the following sentence: “She tossed her hair back and the salad.” The word “tossed” in this example has two functions in the sentence. It is a verb in both cases but refers to very different actions. Zeugma can also be as simple as the role of the word “conquered” in the sentence “Lust conquered shame; audacity, fear; madness, reason” (a quote from Cicero). In this case, zeugma refers to the way that the verb does not need to be repeated for it is implied.

The word zeugma comes from the Ancient Greek word zeûgma , which means “a yoking together.” Zeugma can also be referred to syllepsis.

Common Examples of Zeugma

There are many famous quotes that contain examples of zeugma. Here are some of examples:

• “Histories make men wise; poets, witty; the mathematics, subtle; natural philosophy, deep; moral, grave; logic and rhetoric, able to contend.” —Francis Bacon
• “We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” —John F. Kennedy
• “Now when all the clowns that you have commissioned. / Have died in battle or in vain.” —Bob Dylan, “Queen Jane Approximately”
• “A house they call the rising sun, where love and money are made.” —Dolly Parton, “The House of the Rising Sun”
• “You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit.” —Star Trek: The Next Generation

Significance of Zeugma in Literature

Examples of zeugma can be quite pleasing, as they depend on the reader to understand the multiple shades of meaning of a certain word. Oftentimes a zeugma can sound or look incorrect for a moment as it requires the reader or listener to quickly shift from one understanding to another. Thus, there can be an element of pun on the part of the author of a zeugma, as puns operate on words that have more than one meaning. However, zeugma examples are not necessarily humorous, as they may just be an innovative way of using a word.

Examples of Zeugma in Literature

Close by those meads, for ever crown’d with flow’rs, Where Thames with pride surveys his rising tow’rs, There stands a structure of majestic frame, Which from the neighb’ring Hampton takes its name. Here Britain’s statesmen oft the fall foredoom Of foreign tyrants and of nymphs at home; Here thou, great Anna! whom three realms obey, Dost sometimes counsel take—and sometimes tea.

(“The Rape of the Lock: Canto 3” by Alexander Pope)

In Alexander Pope’s long poem “The Rape of the Lock,” he uses an interesting example of zeugma. In the final two lines of this excerpt we see the statement “Here thou, great Anna! whom three realms obey, / Dost sometimes counsel take—and sometimes tea.” In this case, the character of Anna who is being addressed takes both counsel and tea. Thus, the word “take” here functions in two distinct ways.

All these things, combined with the noises and interruptions of constant comings in and going out, made Mr. Pickwick play rather badly; the cards were against him, also, and when they left off at ten minutes past eleven, Miss Bolo rose from the table considerably agitated, and went straight home in a flood of tears, and a sedan-chair.

( The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens)

A clever writer, Charles Dickens created many examples of zeugma in his works of literature. In his first novel, The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club (also known as The Pickwick Papers ), we can find the above excerpt. In this excerpt, the character Miss Bolo goes home “in a flood of tears, and a sedan-chair.” The zeugma appears in this sense of going home both in a physical and emotional state.

I sometimes dream of a larger and more populous house…where you can see so necessary a thing, as a barrel or a ladder, so convenient a thing as a cupboard, and hear the pot boil, and pay your respects to the fire that cooks your dinner, and the oven that bakes your bread, and the necessary furniture and utensils are the chief ornaments; where the washing is not put out, nor the fire, nor the mistress, and perhaps you are sometimes requested to move from off the trap-door, when the cook would descend into the cellar, and so learn whether the ground is solid or hollow beneath you without stamping.

( Walden by Henry David Thoreau)

Henry David Thoreau uses a zeugma example in his famous text, Walden . In a very long sentence describing his ideal house, Thoreau makes the statement, “where the washing is not put out, nor the fire, nor the mistress.” This clever fragment uses the phrasal verb “put out” in three different ways. The washing can literally be put out on the line, the fire can be extinguished, and the mistress can be emotionally put out if she is agitated. In Thoreau’s perfect life, none of these things would come to pass.

The new boy took two broad coppers out of his pocket and held them out with derision. Tom struck them to the ground. In an instant both boys were rolling and tumbling in the dirt, gripped together like cats; and for the space of a minute they tugged and tore at each other’s hair and clothes, punched and scratched each other’s nose, and covered themselves with dust and glory.

( The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain)

In his novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer , Mark Twain uses a clever zeugma example. The two boys in this scene start fighting, and Twain writes that they cover themselves “with dust and glory.” Though to some, fighting would be uncouth and dirt would not be desired, it is through this very act of bravado that the boys seek glory. Thus, the verb “covered” acts in both a literal and figurative way in this excerpt.

Now Galadriel rose from the grass, and taking a cup from one of her maidens she filled it with white mead and gave it to Celeborn. “Now it is time to drink the cup of farewell,” she said. “Drink, Lord of the Galadhrim! And let not your heart be sad, though night must follow noon, and already our evening draweth nigh.” The she brought the cup to each of the Company, and bade them drink and farewell.

( The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien)

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s first installment of The Lord of The Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring , there is an excellent example of zeugma that is perhaps subtler than some of the other examples. The character of Galadriel is sending off the fellowship to deliver the One Ring to Mount Doom, and in so doing she has them drink from a communal cup of mead. In this excerpt, she “bade them drink and farewell.” The verb “bade” works both with asking them to drink and sending them off on their way.

Test Your Knowledge of Zeugma

1. Which of the following statements is the best zeugma definition?

A. A word that is used as a conjunction. B. A word that joins together two or more different parts of a sentence. C. A synonym for parallelism. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #1″] Answer: B is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

2. Which of the following sentences is an example of zeugma? A. She wanted a new car, and she wanted a bath. B. He didn’t go to the dance, he went to the baseball game. C. She ran the marathon and her mouth. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #2″] Answer: C is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

3. Which of the following quotes from Charles Dickens’s novel The Pickwick Papers is a zeugma example? A.

She looked at the object with suspicion and a magnifying glass.

Man is but mortal; and there is a point beyond which human courage cannot extend.

There are very few moments in a man’s existence when he experiences so much ludicrous distress, or meets with so little charitable commiseration, as when he is in pursuit of his own hat.

[spoiler title=”Answer to Question #3″] Answer: A is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

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What Is Zeugma?

Table of Contents

Examples of Zeugma that Are Mistakes

Examples of zeugma employed for literary effect, a broader definition of zeugma, grammatical syllepsis, semantic syllepsis, why zeugma is important.

• Tommy lost his wallet and his head.
• The skeptic opened the door and his mind.
• The addict kicked the habit and then the bucket.
• Give neither counsel nor salt till you are asked for it. (English proverb)
• The castaways grew bamboo, beans, and bored.
• She ran a wives' club, up a debt, and then away.
• His footsteps were as light as his fingers.
• She took out a loan for a hitman and then her husband.
• They tugged and tore at each other's hair and clothes, punched and scratched each other's nose, and covered themselves with dust and glory. (Extract from Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain)
• Lee likes pies, and Mark, scones.
• Lee likes pies, and Mark likes scones.
• Histories make men wise; poets, witty; the mathematics, subtle; natural philosophy, deep; moral, grave; logic and rhetoric, able to contend. (Sir Francis Bacon)
• Lust conquered shame; audacity, fear; madness, reason. (Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero)
• The castaways grew bamboo, beans and bored.

(Reason 1) Zeugma can be used to entertain, to inspire deeper thinking, or to create shock.

Zeugma to Entertain:

• She aroused curiosity and men.

Zeugma to Inspire Deeper Thinking:

• Lust conquered shame; audacity, fear; madness, reason.

Zeugma to Shock:

• You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit. (An extract from Star Trek: The Next Generation)
• That wave sank my yacht and my dreams.
• I held her hand and my tongue.

(Reason 2) Punctuate zeugma in a parallelism correctly.

• Lee likes cakes; Mark, scones.
• Lee likes cakes, Mark scones.
• He works his work, I mine. (An extract from "Ulysses" by poet Alfred Lord Tennyson)
• The branches are bare, the sky tonight a milky violet. (Indian novelist Vikram Seth)
• "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go." (Irish poet Oscar Wilde)
• "Some cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go."
• Employ a clown or zeugma to entertain.
• Use your grey matter and then zeugma to inspire deeper thinking.
• To shock your readers, use zeugma or a cattle prod.

This page was written by Craig Shrives .

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• Literary Terms
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write a Zeugma

I. What is Zeugma?

Zeugma is when you use a word in a sentence once, while conveying two different meanings at the same time. Sometimes, the word is literal in one part of the sentence, but figurative in another; other times, it’s just two completely separate meanings for the word.

II. Examples of Zeugma

The farmers in the valley grew potatoes , peanuts , and bored .

This is an example of zeugma being used for humor. Like many jokes, it comes in three parts: the first two establish a pattern, and the third changes it. It’s an example of zeugma because the word “grew” is being used in two different senses: literally, the farmers grew potatoes and peanuts, but figuratively they also grew bored.

They left the room with tear-filled eyes and hearts.

Obviously, hearts don’t fill up with tears, except in a very figurative sense. (If their hearts were literally filling with tears, they would need to go straight to the hospital!) So this too is an example of zeugma where tear-filled  is being used both literally and figuratively at the same time.

He lost his briefcase, then his job, then his mind.

The word “lost” is used in multiple senses, with each image slightly more unfortunate than the last. Through zeugma, this 10-word sentence tells a story which revolves around the single verb “lost.” We can follow the progression of events through the story quite easily, thanks to the flexibility of the word.

III. The Importance of Zeugma

The basic function of zeugma is surprise. Take the first example in §2: the potatoes and peanuts lead us to expect that the third word will be another crop. But the word “bored” violates this expectation and surprises the reader. Our brains try to fit the new word into the old pattern, and it results in the humorous image of boredom growing out of the earth like a crop!

Even when the surprise doesn’t result in humor, it still makes the phrase stand out. In the second example, above, the image of “tear-filled hearts” is an unusual figure of speech produced by the zeugma.

IV. Examples of Zeugma in Literature

He carried a strobe light and the responsibility for the lives of his men. (Tim O’Brien, “The Things They Carried”)

In Tim O’Brien’s collection of stories, the word “carry” is often used in multiple senses – in addition to the items in their backpacks, the soldiers in these stories also figuratively “carry” abstract items such as fear, responsibility, and duty. The zeugma in this sentence is a tiny example of a concept that runs through the whole book.

Miss Bolo…went home in a flood of tears and a sedan chair. (Charles Dickens, “Pickwick Papers”)

This is another example of zeugma used for humor. The comedy is enhanced by the juxtaposition of tears and leisure (symbolized by the sedan chair).

V. Examples of Zeugma in Popular Culture

You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit.  (Riker, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”)

In the first sense, the linking word means “put into effect,” as one does with laws; in the second sense, it means “kill.”

You held your breath and the door for me.  (Alanis Morissette, “Head Over Feet”)

Both senses of “held” are literal, but they mean slightly different things.

VI. Related Terms

• Double Entendre

Zeugma involves using a word with two different senses simultaneously. That means it’s also a double entendre , which just means “double meaning.” Double entendre is using a word to mean two things at once, but it doesn’t necessarily have the same grammatical function as zeugma. A zeugma is “split” by having multiple objects to attach to, whereas double entendre may not be split in this way.

Double Entendre : We’re having the Johnsons for dinner.

This could mean we’re having the Johnsons over for dinner, or it could mean we’re eating them for dinner! Notice the lack of any grammatical split in the sentence.

Zeugma : We’re having the Johnsons, and a nice risotto, for dinner.

The same double entendre, but now with a grammatical split in the sentence, making the whole thing a zeugma.

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• Literary Device
• Malapropism
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• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
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• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
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• Synesthesia
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• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

What is Zeugma? Definition, Examples of Zeugma in Literature

Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » What is Zeugma? Definition, Examples of Zeugma in Literature

Zeugma definition: Zeugma is defined as the joining of two parts of a sentence together through the use of a word or phrase.

What is Zeugma in Literature?

Zeugma is the joining of two parts of a sentence together through the use of a word or phrase. Typically, the word or phrase joining these is an adjective or verb.

Zeugma Example

In the example that follow, the verb “brushed” joins two distinct phrases “her hair” and “the dust.”

• Christina brushed her hair and the dust off her jacket.

Modern Examples of Zeugma

Many popular examples of zeugma come from famous quotations because by using such stylistic language they allow for the speaker to have a profound impact on his audience:

• “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” -Theodore Roosevelt
• “A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.” –Ayn Rand
• “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” –Mahatma Gandhi

The Function of Zeugma in Literature

A zeugma is an important device used in literature. By including these in writing, the author creates a stylistic effect that makes a piece of writing more interesting for the reader. By combining words and phrases together with a common word, it brings union to otherwise unrelated terms which can have a shocking and thoughtful effect for the audience.

Examples of Zeugma in Literature

In Tim O’Brien’s short story “The Things They Carried”, he utilizes zeugma. He writers, “he carried a strobe light and the responsibility for the lives of his men”. In this example, the word “carried” refers to both the light and responsibility. While these two terms are far apart in the spectrum of importance, it shows the degree of which he had things to “carry”.

Another example of this device is found in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist . Dickens writes, “he was alternately cudgeling his brains and his donkey when, passing the workhouse, his eyes encountered the bill on the gate”. In this zeugma, the verb cudgeling refers to both “his brains” and “his donkey”.

Summary: What Are Zeugmas?

Define zeugma in literature: In summation, the term zeugma is defined as a figure of speech that involves using a single word in order to join together more than one word or phrase.

Final Example:

The famous early-American writer Henry David Thoreau utilized zeugma in his philosophical text Walden . In this piece of literature, he describes his idea of a perfect living situation according the existentialists beliefs he possessed.

• “I sometimes dream of a larger and more populous house…where you can see no necessary a thing, as a barrel or a ladder, so convenient a thing as a cupboard, and hear the pot boil, and pay your respects to the fire that cooks your dinner, and the oven that bakes your bread, and the necessary furniture and utensils are the chief ornaments; where the washing is not put out, nor the fire, nor the mistress, and perhaps you are sometimes requested to move from off the trap-door, when the cook would descend into the cellar, and so learn whether the ground is solid or hollow beneath you without stamping.”

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• File photo | Credit YourDictionary Opens in new window

Understanding the Structure of Zeugma

Zeugma (derives from Greek, meaning ‘yoke’  ), is a figure concerned with syntactical construction by which a word stands in the same relation to two other words, but with a different meaning.

See, for example:

“The farmers grew broccoli and bored”

(In this construction, ‘grew’ is the zeugma as it yokes or governs together ‘broccoli’ and ‘bored’ .)

The structure of Zeugma contains a certain syntactic category, typically a verb Opens in new window or an adjective Opens in new window , which governs a “catalog” of (at least) two other syntactic categories (typically nouns), one of which is literal while the other is metaphorically related to the predicate.

George Puttenham Opens in new window distinguished the figure zeugma into Prozeugma Opens in new window (also known as the Ringleader), Mesozeugma Opens in new window (the Middlemarcher), and Hypozeugma Opens in new window (the Rearwarder), in accordance with the zeugma (or yoking word ) taking position at the beginning, the middle, and at the end of construction respectively.

Meanwhile, another form of zeugma is the diazeugma Opens in new window which uses a single subject to govern a series of multiple verbs.

Closely related to Zeugma (to the point that they are sometimes treated as one) are the figures ‘ syllepsis Opens in new window ’ (Greek for ‘a taking together’), and ‘ ellipsis Opens in new window ’ (Greek for ‘to fall short’). Syllepsis is particularly so close that it’s often considered a synonym to zeugma. The dictionary says that in a syllepsis the various clauses, which are often in the form of a pun Opens in new window , don’t necessarily make sense. For this reason it’s sometimes said that a syllepsis is a union of incongruous elements, which accounts for its popularity in comic or satiric situations. However, that description is equally true of the figure zeugma. — (Roger Horberry, Sounds Good on Paper: How to Bring Business Language to Life. A&C Black, 1 May 2010)

Notable Examples of Zeugma

— Marcus Tullius Cicero. ( Prozeugma )

— ( Mesozeugma )

— ( Hypozeugma )

— Ad Herennium ( Diazeugma )

The Zeugma Figures

•  Diazeugma Opens in new window
•  Hypozeugma Opens in new window
•  Mesozeugma Opens in new window
•  Prozeugma Opens in new window
• Silva Rhetoricae, Zeugma Opens in new window
• Roger Horberry, Sounds Good on Paper: How to Bring Business Language to Life; Tickling Your Reader's Fancy: Zeugma (pg. 99) Opens in new window
• Cognitive Stylistics: Language and Cognition in Text Analysis; edited by Elena Semino, Jonathan Culpeper, Zeugma Opens in new window
• William Kurtz Wimsatt, Monroe C. Beardsley. The Verbal Icon: Studies in the Meaning of Poetry: Zeugma Opens in new window

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Understanding Zeugma: Definition, Examples and Usage

What is zeugma, history of zeugma, zeugma in literature, why zeugma matters, how to use zeugma, common examples of zeugma, zeugma vs. syllepsis.

When it comes to the colorful world of literature, a term that you might come across is zeugma. This might sound like some sort of exotic bird or a rare plant species, but it's actually a figure of speech that can add a unique flavor to your writing. So, let's dive straight into understanding the definition of zeugma, how it's used, and why it matters in everyday language and literature.

Zeugma, pronounced as 'zoog-muh', is a noun that refers to a figure of speech where a word—usually a verb or an adjective—applies to more than one noun, but in different ways. To put it simply, it's like one word wearing two different hats at the same time. Interesting, isn't it? Now, let's look at this concept in action.

Consider the sentence: "She broke his car and his heart." Here, the verb 'broke' applies to both 'car' and 'heart'—two completely different nouns. But the meaning changes when applied to each. For the car, 'broke' means physical damage, while for the heart, it indicates emotional hurt. And voila! That's the definition of zeugma put into practice.

What makes zeugma fascinating is how it can inject creativity and depth into a sentence. It can make you pause and think—like a little puzzle embedded in the language. Zeugma can add a fun twist to the mundane, make a simple sentence more engaging, or lend a poetic touch to your prose. All this with just one word doing double-duty!

Now that you have a basic understanding of the definition of zeugma, let's dive deeper into its history, usage, and why it matters. So, buckle up, as we continue our language adventure!

Now that you're familiar with the definition of zeugma, you may be wondering where this quirky term originated. Well, like many other literary terms, zeugma has its roots in ancient Greece. The word "zeugma" comes from the Greek verb "zeugnynai" which means "to yoke" or "to join". It's a fitting name, don't you think? After all, zeugma is all about joining different concepts with a common word.

While the term might have ancient origins, it has found its place in contemporary literature and language too. Over the centuries, writers and poets have been using zeugma to add a dash of creativity and thoughtfulness to their work. From the classic works of Shakespeare to modern-day novels, zeugma has been leaving its unique imprint on the pages of literature.

So, the next time you come across a sentence where a single word seems to be juggling multiple meanings, remember — it's zeugma at play! And it's been entertaining readers, challenging language lovers, and enhancing literature for centuries. Pretty cool, right?

Now, let's move on to some examples of zeugma in literature, and see how this ancient figure of speech adds depth and flair to the written word.

Having explored the definition of zeugma and its fascinating history, let's see it in action in literature. After all, examples are the best way to understand any concept, right?

Consider this line from Charles Dickens' classic, "A Tale of Two Cities": "She opened her door and her heart to the orphan." In this sentence, the verb "opened" is used with both "door" and "heart", albeit in different contexts, and that's zeugma for you.

Another famous example of zeugma comes from Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock": "Here Thou, great Anna! whom three Realms obey, does sometimes counsel take — and sometimes Tea." Here, the verb "take" is used with "counsel" and "Tea", creating an interesting and humorous effect.

So, the next time you're reading a book or a poem, keep an eye out for zeugma. It might be hiding in plain sight, waiting to add a dash of wit or surprise to your reading experience. But why does zeugma matter, and how can you use it in your own writing? Let's find out in the next section.

So you've seen some examples of zeugma in literature. Cool, right? But you might be wondering, "why should I care about zeugma? How does it affect me?" Well, here's why zeugma matters:

1. Adds Flavor to Writing: Zeugma can add a dash of spice to otherwise bland sentences. It's like a secret ingredient that can make your writing more interesting. And who doesn't like a little bit of surprise in their reading?

2. Creates Emotional Impact: By linking different ideas or actions together, zeugma can create a strong emotional response. Remember the Dickens example? The phrase "opened her door and her heart" can evoke a feeling of warmth and empathy.

3. Enhances Humor: If you enjoy a good laugh, zeugma is your friend. The unexpected linking of unrelated words or phrases can create a humorous effect, like in the Pope example. So, if you want to make your readers chuckle, consider using zeugma.

In short, zeugma is a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled writer. It can help you create engaging and memorable content, regardless of whether you're writing a novel, a blog post, or a social media update. But how exactly do you use zeugma? Let's find out in the next section.

Now that you've got a clear idea about the importance of zeugma, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how do you use it in your own writing? If you've never used zeugma before, it might seem a bit tricky, but don't worry. I've got you covered with some simple steps:

1. Identify Your Words: Start by finding two words that can be linked by a shared word. Remember, this shared word can be a verb, an adjective, or a noun. For example, "time" and "watch".

2. Create Your Sentence: Next, create a sentence in which the shared word applies to both of the other words in a different way. Using our previous example, you could write: "He lost his watch and time."

3. Check your Work: Finally, go back and read your sentence to make sure the shared word makes sense in both contexts. If it doesn't, adjust as necessary.

And that's it! With a bit of practice, you'll be using zeugma like a pro. But don't get discouraged if it doesn't come naturally at first. Even famous authors had to start somewhere!

In the next section, we'll look at some common examples of zeugma to help solidify your understanding of this concept.

Now, let's take a look at some common examples of zeugma to help you better understand this concept. Remember, the key to understanding the definition of zeugma lies in seeing how a single word can provide different meanings in a sentence. So, let's put on our detective hats and dig in!

1. "She broke his car and his heart." In this sentence, the word "broke" is applied to both "car" and "heart", but it has a different meaning for each. You can physically break a car, but you can't physically break a heart—it's a metaphor for emotional hurt.

2. "He took his hat and his leave." Here, the word "took" applies to both "hat" and "leave". But while you can physically take a hat, you can't physically take leave—it's an idiom for saying goodbye.

3. "You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit." In this sentence, borrowed from the Star Trek movie, the word "execute" applies to both "laws" and "citizens", but in very different ways. Laws are executed by being carried out, citizens by capital punishment—quite a clever (and dark) use of zeugma!

As you can see, zeugma can add a layer of complexity and intrigue to language, making it a valuable tool for any writer. And the more you practice it, the easier it becomes! So why not give it a try in your next piece of writing?

As we continue our exploration of the definition of zeugma, it's important to understand how zeugma differs from a closely related concept: syllepsis. These two terms often get used interchangeably, but they're not entirely the same thing.

Zeugma is a figure of speech in which a single word—like a verb or an adjective—applies to more than one noun, but creates different effects or meanings. For example, in the sentence "I lost my keys and my temper," the verb "lost" applies to both "keys" and "temper," but has a different meaning in each case.

Syllepsis , on the other hand, is a specific type of zeugma. In syllepsis, the single word that applies to multiple nouns doesn't fit grammatically or logically with at least one of them. Take this sentence from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice: "Miss Bingley's attention was quite as much engaged in watching Mr. Darcy's progress through his book, as in reading her own." Here, the verb "engaged" applies to both "watching Mr. Darcy's progress" and "reading her own book," but it doesn't quite fit with the former—that's syllepsis.

So while all instances of syllepsis are examples of zeugma, not all zeugmas are syllepses. It's a bit like how all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. Got it? Good! Now you're one step closer to becoming a master of zeugma.

If you're intrigued by the concept of Zeugma and looking to explore more creative ways to express yourself through language and storytelling, consider checking out the workshop ' Creating A Mini Digital Zine: Brainstorming ' by Viktorija Semjonova. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating a unique digital zine, where you can incorporate your newfound understanding of Zeugma and other literary devices to make your work stand out.

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Zeugma and Syllepsis

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Zeugma is a rhetorical device where a single word governs or modifies two or more words, often creating a clever or unexpected connection between them. A special case of this figure of speech is syllepsis.

In this article, we will delve into the definition of this figure of speech, explore its special case, syllepsis, and illustrate these rhetorical figures with examples from literature.

Let’s begin by understanding what zeugma means!

What is zeugma?

Zeugma (from the Greek , “a yoking, a bond”) is a figure of speech in which a word, usually a verb or an adjective, joins different parts of a sentence

Zeugma, similar to puns , exhibits economy by condensing two sentences into one. It generates connections between disparate terms—whether mental and moral, abstract and physical, or high and low—resulting in a surprising outcome.

It is sometimes differentiated from syllepsis, with the latter being regarded as a specific instance of zeugma.

Let’s consider some examples to illustrate this stylistic device:

• Here, the verb “stole” is applied both literally to the wallet and figuratively to the heart, creating a clever connection between two distinct meanings.
• In this example, the verb “lost” is used to describe both the physical act of misplacing keys and the emotional state of losing one’s temper.
• The verb “wore” is employed to describe both the concrete item, the stunning dress, and the abstract quality, the smile, bringing together two different elements in a single sentence.
• In this instance, the verb “added” connects the concrete action of spicing the curry with the abstract quality of bringing excitement to the evening.
• Here, the verb “signed” is used to convey both the concrete act of signing a contract and the more abstract consequence of determining her fate.

The above examples illustrate this stylistic device, emphasizing its versatile application across various contexts. Through its artful use, writers can forge unexpected connections, weaving together disparate elements to create layers of meaning within a single sentence. This rhetorical device not only adds sophistication to language but also allows for nuanced expression.

Zeugma Vs. syllepsis

While Zeugma and Syllepsis are frequently used interchangeably, it’s important to note that they are not entirely synonymous.

• Zeugma , or  semantic syllepsis , is a construction where a single word is used with two other parts of a sentence but must be understood differently in relation to each.
• It creates unexpected semantic (meaning) connections or relationships between different elements in the sentence.
• “He took his hat and his leave.”
• “She broke his car and his heart.”

The above structures are grammatically correct:  “took”  collocates with both  “hat”  and  “leave”  and “broke” collocates with both “car” and “heart”. However, each use has a different meaning. The phrase “taking a hat” is different from “taking a leave”. Similarly, the meaning of “breaking a car” is distinct from “breaking a heart.” This distinction of meaning is crucial in this type of figure of speech.

Here is another example:

• “I lost my keys and my temper,”

In this sentence, the verb “lost” applies to both “keys” and “temper,” but with different meanings in each case.

All the above constructions create their stylistic effect by seeming, at first hearing, to be incorrect by exploiting multiple shades of meaning in a single word or phrase.

• Grammatical syllepsis occurs when a single word is used in relation to two other parts of a sentence although the word grammatically or logically applies to only one.
• According to prescriptivists, this type of syllepsis is grammatically “incorrect”:
• “He works his work, I mine” (Tennyson, “Ulysses”)
• “They saw lots of thunder and lightning.”

In the first example, the verb  “works ” agrees with the subject pronoun  “he” , but not  “I”. The pronoun “I” must normally agree with “work” not “works.”

In the second example, the verb  “saw”  may collocate with the word  “lightning”  but not  “thunder”. It doesn’t logically or grammatically fit with the concept of seeing sound.

However, from the point of view of stylisticians, grammatical syllepsis is sometimes intentional because the writer wants to violate the rules of grammar for stylistic effect.

Why Do Writers Use Zeugma and Syllepsis?

Writers often turn to zeugma and syllepsis as powerful tools to elevate their expression. These figures of speech go beyond the ordinary, allowing writers to infuse depth, humor, and unexpected connections into their sentences. Let’s explore why writers choose to wield this figure of speech in their literary arsenal.

• These stylistic devices enable writers to showcase their wit by creating clever connections between different elements in a sentence.
• Writers use these rhetorical devices to forge unexpected links between disparate terms, adding an element of surprise to their writing.
• By incorporating these figures of speech, writers enhance the complexity of language, contributing to a more nuanced and sophisticated expression.
• These figures of speech allow writers to convey multiple meanings or associations within a single sentence, providing layers of interpretation for readers.
• These figures of speech can introduce humor and irony, making the writing more engaging and memorable for the audience.

In essence, the utilization of zeugma and syllepsis goes beyond mere linguistic embellishment; it serves as a strategic choice to captivate readers and infuse literary works with a distinctive and impactful style.

Common Examples of Zeugma and Syllepsis in Everyday Conversations

• “He stole my heart and my favorite pen.”
• “She wore a smile and an elegant dress to the party.”
• “They opened their minds and the door to new possibilities.”
• “He lost his keys and his temper during the argument.”
• “She took my advice and the last piece of cake.”
• “He embraced his friends and the opportunity to dance.”
• “The chef seasoned the dish and the conversation with humor.”
• “She planted flowers and a sense of joy in the community garden.”
• “He plays the piano and with my emotions.”
• “He wrote a letter and history with his words.”
• “The politician addressed the crowd and the issues of the day.”
• “She spent the evening and all her money at the charity event.”
• “He fixed his car and the relationship with a simple gesture.”
• “The artist painted a masterpiece and the town red with festivities.”
• “She completed the marathon and her transformation as a runner.”
• When he arrived to collect me, I welcomed him by opening not just my door but also my heart.
• Putting an end to that undesirable practice, she kicked the bad habit and, unfortunately, the bucket shortly afterward.
• Using a microscope, the student scrutinized the specimen with both scientific curiosity and a touch of disgust.
• The storm not only submerged my boat but also drowned my aspirations.
• Jane faced a rapid sequence of setbacks, losing her job, her residence, and, eventually, her sanity.
• Before the first day of summer vacation concluded, Nancy had already worn out her patience along with her kids.

Examples of Zeugma and Syllepsis in Literature

Zeugma and syllepsis are often used in literature to infuse writing with creativity, wit, and unexpected connections, enriching the language and engaging readers.

Here are some illustrative examples:

“They covered themselves with dust and glory.” From “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain

Mark Twain uses the verb “covered” to connect two elements, “dust” and “glory,” in a single sentence. This construction creates a vivid and figurative image where “covered” applies both literally to the physical act of being covered in dust and metaphorically to the attainment or pursuit of glory.

The excerpt here cleverly combines the tangible and intangible, emphasizing the dual experiences of the characters in the narrative.

“Here Thou, great Anna! whom three Realms obey, Dost sometimes Counsel take – and sometimes Tea.” From “The Rape of the Lock, Canto III” by Alexander Pope

In the above lines, the verb “take” is used in a way that governs two different objects, creating a rhetorical effect. The phrase “Dost sometimes Counsel take – and sometimes Tea” uses zeugma by connecting the abstract concept of seeking counsel with the more mundane and concrete act of taking tea.

This clever use of this stylistic device juxtaposes serious matters, like seeking advice, with a seemingly trivial activity, like having tea, to create humor and emphasize the diverse aspects of the subject, in this case, the character addressed as “great Anna.” This figure of speech serves to highlight the contrasting elements in a playful and satirical manner.

“Miss Bolo […] went straight home, in a flood of tears and a sedan-chair.” From “The Pickwick Papers”, Chapter 35 by Charles Dickens

This excerpt conveys that Miss Bolo “went home” in two distinct ways: emotionally, “in a flood of tears,” and physically, “in a sedan chair.” This construction effectively emphasizes the dual nature of her departure, employing the verb “went” to connect both the emotional and physical aspects of her journey home.

THE BEAVER’S LESSON They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care; They pursued it with forks and hope; They threatened its life with a railway-share; They charmed it with smiles and soap. From “ The Hunting of the Snark ” by Lewis Carroll

This figure od speech here involves the verb “sought,” which is applied to different objects in a way that creates a humorous and unexpected connection.

The speaker refers to the fact of seeking something using various methods, such as thimbles, care, forks, hope, a railway share, smiles, and soap. The verb “sought” ties together the diverse and unrelated actions, emphasizing the absurdity of the efforts to find the elusive object.

The use of this figure of speech adds a playful and whimsical tone to the poem.

In summary, Zeugma is a powerful rhetorical device that involves a single word, typically a verb or an adjective, governing or modifying two or more parts of a sentence. While it intricately connects disparate elements, it is closely related to syllepsis, a specific type of zeugma where the applied word doesn’t entirely fit with each part.

Both of these related figures of speech are used to inject creativity, wit, and unexpected connections into language, allowing writers to convey nuanced meanings and engage their audience. Incorporating them into your writing adds a layer of sophistication, fostering a more vivid and memorable expression that captivates readers and elevates the overall impact of your prose.

Related Pages:

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English Studies

This website is dedicated to English Literature, Literary Criticism, Literary Theory, English Language and its teaching and learning.

Zeugma: A Literary Device

Zeugma is a literary device where a single word or phrase is used in a sentence to modify or govern two or more other words, often in different senses.

Zeugma: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Table of Contents

Etymology of Zeugma

The term “zeugma” originates from the Greek word “zeugnynai,” meaning “to join” or “to yoke.” In ancient rhetoric, zeugma referred to a figure of speech where a single word governs or modifies two or more other words, typically in different senses. This linguistic device yokes together disparate elements within a sentence, creating a surprising or witty effect.

Literal Meaning:

• Linguistic Device: Zeugma functions as a rhetorical device in which a single word or phrase applies to two or more parts of a sentence, often in different ways.
• Grammatical Structure: It involves the coordination of multiple elements, such as nouns, verbs, or adjectives, through a shared word or phrase.

Conceptual Meaning:

• Figurative Connection: Zeugma enables writers to draw unexpected connections between ideas or objects, often for humorous, dramatic, or ironic effect.
• Cognitive Impact: It engages readers by prompting them to reinterpret the shared word or phrase in different contexts within the same sentence, leading to a deeper understanding or appreciation of the text.

Zeugma: Definition as a Literary Device

Zeugma is a literary device where a single word or phrase is used in a sentence to modify or govern two or more other words, often in different senses. This technique creates a striking effect by linking together disparate elements within the same sentence. Zeugma is commonly employed for its rhetorical impact, adding depth, wit, or irony to the text.

Zeugma in Literature: Examples in Literature

Zeugma in literature: shakespearean examples.

• “With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage”
• Explanation: In this line, Hamlet describes the contradictory emotions present at a funeral and a wedding. The word “with” governs both “mirth” and “dirge,” juxtaposing joy and sorrow within the context of these two events.
• “I love the name of honor more than I fear death.”
• Explanation: Here, Brutus uses the word “love” to express his attitude towards both “honor” and “death.” The phrase highlights the conflict between his devotion to honor and his fear of death, employing the same verb for two different objects.
• “The barge she sat in, like a burnished throne, / Burned on the water.”
• Explanation: This line describes Cleopatra’s barge as both a “burnished throne” and something that “burned on the water.” The verb “burned” is used first in a metaphorical sense to describe the grandeur of the barge and then in a literal sense to depict its reflection on the water.
• “Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, / And by opposing end them?”
• Explanation: Here, Hamlet deliberates whether to “take arms” against a “sea of troubles” and “by opposing end them.” The phrase employs the same verb “opposing” to suggest both physical and metaphorical opposition, emphasizing the magnitude of the challenges he faces.

Zeugma in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Zeugma in literature: relevant terms, zeugma in literature: suggested readings.

• Genette, Gérard. Figures of Literary Discourse . Translated by Alan Sheridan, Columbia University Press, 1982.
• Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms . 2nd ed., University of California Press, 1991.
• Leech, Geoffrey N. A Linguistic Guide to English Poetry . Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1969.
• Lintott, Sheila M. The Elements of Expression: A Guide to Writing and Speaking . Random House, 2012.
• Quinn, Arthur. Figures of Speech: 60 Ways to Turn a Phrase . David R. Godine Publisher, 2010.
• Smyth, Herbert Weir. Greek Grammar . Harvard University Press, 1956.
• Wimsatt, William K., and Cleanth Brooks. Literary Criticism: A Short History . Knopf, 1957.

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Zeugma Examples

Zeugma is a figure of speech in which one verb or adjective is used for two or more nouns. This is often done effectively and can lend to the rhythm and cadence of the writing.

1. I have lost my keys and my mind.

2. You are beautiful both inside and out.

3. The meal and the company were delicious.

4. Your paper and the presentation were delightful.

5. Beautiful were the sky and the sea.

Examples of Zeugma from Literature and Speech

1. "Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears." Julius Caesar

2. "He carried a strobe light and the responsibility for the lives of his men." The Things They Carried

3. Talking of Mr. Radley: "He also lost most of his teeth, hair, and the right forefinger." To Kill a Mockingbird

4. "Your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others, made me realize that you were the last main in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry." Pride and Prejudice

5. "You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit." Star Trek: The Next Generation

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Zeugma Examples: Figure of Speech For Students

admin November 21, 2019 Figures of Speech 3,937 Views

Examples of Zeugmav

Examples of zeugma from literature.

• “And all the people saw the thundering, and the lightning, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.” From the Bible.
• “You held your breath and the door for me.”
• He lost his coat and his temper.
• She opened the door and her heart to the orphan.
• She exhausted both her audience and her repertoire, by Anonymous.
• To wage war and peace.
• The addict kicked the habit and then the bucket.
• “Here thou, great Anna! whom three realms obey, Dost sometimes counsel take – and sometimes tea”
• “Whether the nymph shall break Diana’s law, Or some frail China-jar receive a flaw, Or stain her honour, or her new brocade.” From Rape of the Lock, written by Alexander Pope.
• “Mr. Pickwick took his hat and his leave.”
• “She looked at the object with suspicion and a magnifying glass.” By Charles Dickens.
• “He carried a strobe light and the responsibility for the lives of his men.”
• “You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit.”
• “Kill the boys and the luggage!”
• “She arrived in a taxi and a flaming rage.”
• “. . . losing her heart or her necklace at the ball.” By Alexander Pope.
• “I fancy you were gone down to cultivate matrimony and your estate in the country”, by Goldsmith.
• “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” By William Shakespeare.
• “The theme of the Egg Hunt is ‘learning is delightful and delicious’–as, by the way, am I.”
• It certainly wouldn’t break anyone’s heart or bank to give some time to charity.
• Fear makes us cautious, resentful and sometimes dangerous.

Other Examples of Zeugma

• The farmers in the valley grew potatoes, peanuts, and bored.
• It was curtains for him and the window.
• Her hopes drowned with it her belief in idealism, trust in heaven, certainty in goodness and purity of heart.
• She bought the 1994 election, an antique cereal bowl, and the farm.
• The journalists covered the assassination and up the conspiracy.
• I saw there the laughter, the great gaiety, the very picture of joy, the epitome of happiness.
• She carried a sack of groceries, a child, and on.
• He drowned his sorrows and his cat, but the relief was only temporary; it was only a matter of time before it took a more sophisticated victim to quell his disturbances.
• He held a high rank and an old notepad.
• My family is happy, well fed and kind to each other.
• It was fearful how he was neither an alien, nor a human walking on two legs, neither a creepy insect, nor a handsome apparition.
• He bit the bullet, his hand, and the dust.
• Elle wore a pink hat and a beatific smile.
• She killed time and the mailman.
• She came up through the ranks, over last night, repeatedly, and to realize the error of her ways.
• She jumped his bones and over the dog.
• Fix the problem and not the blame.
• In the morning, happy he was, and in the evening and dark night too.
• His boat and his dreams sank.
• She aroused suspicion and men.
• I am leaving for greener pastures and 10 days.
• Time makes older adults wiser and younger adults less wise.
• She was upstairs, and her children downstairs.
• Across the road, the field and the park we ran.
• He screwed up the assignment and over his partner.
• Afraid and unhappy, the boy stood alone in the world.
• On his fishing trip, he caught eight trout and a cold.
• He threw a bomb and killed soldiers, maimed children, injured women and blinded men.
• She lowered her standards by raising her glass, her courage, her eyes and his hopes.

Some Zeugma Examples with Humorous Effect

• He rang the bell and up her purchases.
• She entered the data and his room.
• He bought her story and a beer.
• He flew the coop and the kite.
• She gathered her wits and her knitting.
• He fished for compliments and trout.
• He fell back on his sword and his position of power.
• He milked the situation and the cow.
• She stayed his execution and at the hotel.
• He played for keeps and money.

Zeugma is a fun rhetorical device that can be used to connote several meaning in one single line. For example, “He hid his feelings and the ball.” In the following sentence ‘hid’ is used to describe about the feelings as well as the ball. In this article, we have attempted to present a list of best zeugma examples that might help you to understand this figure of speech better.

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Rhetorical Device Known as Syllepsis

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

Syllepsis is a rhetorical term for a kind of ellipsis in which one word (usually a verb ) is understood differently in relation to two or more other words, which it modifies or governs. Adjective: sylleptic .

As Bernard Dupriez points out in A Dictionary of Literary Devices (1991), "There is little agreement among rhetoricians on the difference between syllepsis and zeugma ," and Brian Vickers notes that even the Oxford English Dictionary "confuses syllepsis and zeugma " ( Classical Rhetoric in English Poetry , 1989). In contemporary rhetoric , the two terms are commonly used interchangeably to refer to a figure of speech in which the same word is applied to two others in different senses.

Etymology From the Greek, "a taking"

• E.B. White When I address Fred I never have to raise either my voice or my hopes.
• Dave Barry We consumers like names that reflect what the company does. We know, for example, that International Business Machines makes business machines, and Ford Motors makes Fords, and Sara Lee makes us fat.
• Anthony Lane Ana... first meets Christian Grey at Grey House, which is home to Grey Enterprises, in Seattle... Ana, ushered into his presence, stumbles first over the threshold and then over her words.
• Robert Hutchinson Vegetarianism is harmless enough, though it is apt to fill a man with wind and self-righteousness.
• Sue Townsend I searched for a sign that she had witnessed more of Mrs. Urquhart's scandalous behavior, but her face was its usual mask of Max Factor foundation and disappointment with life.
• Charles Dickins Miss Bolo rose from the table considerably agitated, and went straight home in a flood of tears, and a sedan chair.
• Ambrose Bierce Piano, n. A parlor utensil for subduing the impenitent visitor. It is operated by depressing the keys of the machine and the spirits of the audience.
• James Thurber I finally told Ross, late in the summer, that I was losing weight, my grip, and possibly my mind.
• Margaret Atwood You most likely need a thesaurus, a rudimentary grammar book, and a grip on reality.
• Tyler Hilton You took my hand and breath away.
• Mick Jagger and Keith Richards She blew my nose and then she blew my mind.
• Dorothy Parker It's a small apartment. I've barely enough room to lay my hat and a few friends.

Observations

• Maxwell Nurnberg Zeugma, syllepsis —even dictionaries and linguists find it difficult to agree on which is which. They agree only that what is generally involved is a verb (or some other part of speech ) that is doing double duty . In one case there's a syntactical problem; in the other, a verb has two or more objects yoked together, objects that are not compatible, since for each the verb is used in a different sense; for example, He took his hat and his departure .
• Kuang-ming Wu Significantly, zeugma or syllepsis is word-yoking often because it is meaning-yoking. In 'opening the door and heart to the homeless boy,' for instance, opening the heart opens the door, for it is the heart that opens or closes the door; to 'open' yokes the 'heart' inside with the 'door' outside. To 'open' performs a zeugma-activity. Or is it syllepsis? In any case, metaphor performs both functions . . .. Metaphor is a zeugma(-syllepsis) yoking two matters under one word (verb), yoking old and alien, past and future.

Pronunciation: si-LEP-sis

• The 9 Parts of Speech: Definitions and Examples
• Zeugma (Rhetoric)
• Figure of Speech: Definition and Examples
• Definition and Examples of Case Grammar
• Definition and Examples of Diazeugma
• What Is Parsing? Definition and Examples in English Grammar
• Ellipsis: Definition and Examples in Grammar
• antanaclasis (word play)
• Definition and Examples of Imperative Sentences in English
• Ethopoeia (Rhetoric)
• Verbless Sentence (Scesis Onomaton)
• Word Class in English Grammar
• What Is an Independent Clause in English?
• Proof in Rhetoric
• Verbal Irony - Definition and Examples
• Metaphor Definition and Examples

• Figure of Speech

Figure of Speech Definition

What is a figure of speech? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

A figure of speech is a literary device in which language is used in an unusual—or "figured"—way in order to produce a stylistic effect. Figures of speech can be broken into two main groups: figures of speech that play with the ordinary meaning of words (such as metaphor , simile , and hyperbole ), and figures of speech that play with the ordinary arrangement or pattern in which words are written (such as alliteration , ellipsis , and antithesis ).

Some additional key details about figures of speech:

• The ancient Greeks and Romans exhaustively listed, defined, and categorized figures of speech in order to better understand how to effectively use language. The names of most figures of speech derive from the original Greek or Latin.
• Figures of speech that play with the literal meaning of words are called tropes , while figures of speech that play with the order or pattern of words are called schemes .
• Figures of speech can take many forms. A figure of speech can involve a single word, a phrase, an omission of a word or phrase, a repetition of words or sounds, or specific sentence structures.

Figure of Speech Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce figure of speech: fig -yer of speech

Figures of Speech vs. Figurative Language

There's a lot of confusion about the difference between the terms "figures of speech" and " figurative language ." Most of the confusion stems from the fact that different people often use "figurative language" to mean slightly different things. The two most common (and most acceptable) definitions of figurative language are:

• Figurative language refers to any language that contains figures of speech. According to this definition, figurative language and figures of speech are not quite the same thing, but it's pretty darn close. The only difference is that figures of speech refer to each specific type of a figure of speech, while figurative language refers more generally to any language that contains any kind of figures of speech.
• Figurative language refers to words or expressions that have non-literal meanings : This definition associates figurative language only with the category of figures of speech called tropes (which are figures of speech that play with the literal meaning of words). So according to this definition, figurative language would be any language that contains tropes, but not language that contains the figures of speech called schemes.

You might encounter people using figurative speech to mean either of the above, and it's not really possible to say which is correct. But if you know about these two different ways of relating figurative language and figures of speech, you'll be in pretty good shape.

Figures of Speech, Tropes, and Schemes

The oldest and still most common way to organize figures of speech is to split them into two main groups: tropes and schemes.

• Tropes are figures of speech that involve a deviation from the expected and literal meaning of words.
• Schemes are figures of speech that involve a deviation from the typical mechanics of a sentence, such as the order, pattern, or arrangement of words.

The scheme/trope classification system is by no means the only way to organize figures of speech (if you're interested, you can find all sorts of different categorization methods for figures of speech here ). But it is the most common method, and is both simple and structured enough to help you understand figures of speech.

Generally, a trope uses comparison, association, or wordplay to play with the literal meaning of words or to layer another meaning on top of a word's literal meaning. Some of the most commonly used tropes are explained briefly below, though you can get even more detail on each from its specific LitCharts entry.

• Metaphor : A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another thing, even though this isn't literally true. For example, if someone says "it's raining cats and dogs," this obviously doesn't literally mean what it says—it's a metaphor that makes a comparison between the weight of "cats and dogs" and heavy rain. Metaphors are tropes because their effect relies not on the mechanics of the sentence, but rather on the association created by the use of the phrase "cats and dogs" in a non-literal manner.
• Simile : A simile, like a metaphor, makes a comparison between two unrelated things. However, instead of stating that one thing is another thing (as in metaphor), a simile states that one thing is like another thing. To stick with cats and dogs, an example of a simile would be to say "they fought like cats and dogs."
• Oxymoron : An oxymoron pairs contradictory words in order to express new or complex meanings. In the phrase "parting is such sweet sorrow" from Romeo and Juliet , "sweet sorrow" is an oxymoron that captures the complex and simultaneous feelings of pain and pleasure associated with passionate love. Oxymorons are tropes because their effect comes from a combination of the two words that goes beyond the literal meanings of those words.
• Hyperbole : A hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration of the truth, used to emphasize the importance of something or to create a comic effect. An example of a hyperbole is to say that a backpack "weighs a ton." No backpack literally weighs a ton, but to say "my backpack weighs ten pounds" doesn't effectively communicate how burdensome a heavy backpack feels. Once again, this is a trope because its effect comes from understanding that the words mean something different from what they literally say.

Other Common Tropes

• Antanaclasis
• Onomatopoeia
• Personification
• Periphrasis
• Rhetorical Question

Schemes are mechanical—they're figures of speech that tinker with words, sounds, and structures (as opposed to meanings) in order to achieve an effect. Schemes can themselves be broken down in helpful ways that define the sort of tinkering they employ.

• Repetition: Repeating words, phrases, or even sounds in a particular way.
• Omission: Leaving out certain words or punctuation that would normally be expected.
• Changes of word order: Shifting around words or phrases in atypical ways.
• Balance: Creating sentences or phrases with equal parts, often through the use of identical grammatical structures.

Some of the most commonly used schemes are explained briefly below, though you can get even more detail on each from its specific LitCharts entry.

• Alliteration : In alliteration, the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “ B ob b rought the b ox of b ricks to the b asement.” Alliteration uses repetition to create a musical effect that helps phrases to stand out from the language around them.
• Assonance : A scheme in which vowel sounds repeat in nearby words, such as the "ee" sound in the proverb: "the squ ea ky wh ee l gets the gr ea se." Like alliteration, assonance uses repeated sounds to create a musical effect in which words echo one another—it's a scheme because this effect is achieved through repetition of words with certain sounds, not by playing with the meaning of words.
• Ellipsis : The deliberate omission of one or more words from a sentence because their meaning is already implied. In the example, "Should I call you, or you me?" the second clause uses ellipsis. While its implication is "or should you call me," the context of the sentence allows for the omission of "should" and "call." Ellipsis is a scheme because it involves an uncommon usage of language.
• Parallelism : The repetition of sentence structure for emphasis and balance. This can occur in a single sentence, such as "a penny saved is a penny earned," and it can also occur over the course of a speech, poem, or other text. Parallelism is a scheme because it creates emphasis through the mechanics of sentence structure, rather than by playing with the actual meanings of words.

Other Common Schemes

• Anadiplosis
• Antimetabole
• Brachylogia
• Epanalepsis
• Parenthesis
• Polysyndeton

Figure of Speech Examples

Figures of speech can make language more inventive, more beautiful, more rhythmic, more memorable, and more meaningful. It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that figures of speech are plentiful in all sorts of written language. The examples below show a variety of different types of figures of speech. You can see many more examples of each type at their own specific LitChart entries.

Figures of Speech Examples in Literature

Literature is riddled with figures of speech because figures of speech make language colorful and complex.

Metaphor in Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca

On and on, now east now west, wound the poor thread that once had been our drive. Sometimes I thought it lost, but it appeared again, beneath a fallen tree perhaps, or struggling on the other side of a muddied ditch created by the winter rains.

In this quote from Rebecca , Daphne du Maurier refers to a washed-out road as "the poor thread." This is a metaphor —and a trope—because the writer indirectly compares the thread to the road and expects that readers will understand that "thread" is not used literally.

Parallelism in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.

In the famous opening line of A Tale of Two Cities , Dickens uses parallelism —a scheme in which parts of a sentence repeat—in order to emphasize the contradictions of the time in which the book is set. Dickens has manipulated his sentence structure so that the parallel clauses emphasize the oppositional nature of his words ("it was the best of times, it was the worst of times"). The figure of speech doesn't play with the meaning of words, it emphasizes them through structure and repetition, which is why it is a scheme.

Alliteration in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Birthmark"

In this manner, s electing it as the s ymbol of his wife's liability to s in, s orrow, d ecay, and d eath, Aylmer's s ombre imagination was not long in rendering the birthmark a frightful object, causing him more trouble and horror than ever Georgiana's beauty, whether of s oul or s ense, had given him delight.

This passage from " The Birthmark " uses alliteration to tie together all of the things that Georgiana's birthmark is supposed to symbolize. By using words that alliterate—"sin and sorrow" and "decay and death," for example—Hawthorne is making the reader feel that these ideas are connected, rather than simply stating that they are connected. Alliteration is a figure of speech—a scheme—because it uses the mechanics of language to emphasize meaning.

Verbal Irony in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

For Brutus is an honorable man; So are they all, all honorable men,

This quote from Julius Caesar comes from Marc Antony's speech at Caesar's funeral. Antony needs to hold Brutus and his conspirators accountable for Caesar's death without contradicting the crowd's positive impression of Brutus, so Antony uses verbal irony to simultaneously please and trouble the crowd. On the surface, Antony says what the audience wants to hear (that Brutus is honorable), but it becomes clear over the course of his speech that he means the opposite of what he says (and over time he convinces the audience to believe this opposite meaning as well). This is a figure of speech (a trope) because it's based on a play on the meaning of Antony's words.

Figures of Speech Examples in Music

Figures of speech are also common in music. Schemes fit naturally with songs because both schemes and songs manipulate sound and rhythm to enhance the meanings of words. Music also uses many tropes, because using words that have meanings beyond their literal ones makes language more interesting, and it allows songwriters to create music that uses just a few words to imply a complex meaning.

Assonance and Metaphor in Rihanna's "Diamonds"

So sh ine br igh t ton igh t, you and I We're beautiful l i ke d i amonds in the sk y Eye to eye , so al i ve We're beautiful l i ke d i amonds in the sk y

Rihanna uses assonance when she repeats the " eye " sound throughout the chorus of "Diamonds." This make the words echo one another, which emphasizes the similarity between the singer, the person she's talking about, and the "diamonds in the sky" to which she's comparing them both. Assonance is a scheme because it's using the sound of words—not their meaning—to draw a parallel between different things.

Rihanna also uses the phrase "Diamonds in the sky" as a metaphor for stars. This is a trope—a phrase that means something other than what it literally says—as Rihanna obviously doesn't think that there are actually diamonds in the sky. This verse is a good example of how figures of speech can often work together and overlap. In this case, the metaphor that allows her to use "diamonds" instead of "stars" also fits into her use of assonance (because "stars" lacks the "eye" sound).

Personification in Green Day's "Good Riddance"

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go

While the first line of this song uses "a fork stuck in the road" as a metaphor for a choice, the more arresting figure of speech at work here is the personification of time in the second line. By giving "time" human characteristics—the ability to grab a person and tell them where to go—Green Day is helping listeners to make sense of the power that time has over people. This is a trope because the line doesn't mean what it literally says; instead, it's asking listeners to make a comparison between the characteristics of time and the characteristics of a person.

Anastrophe in Public Enemy's "Fight the Power"

Straight up racist that sucker was Simple and plain

In the line "Straight up racist that sucker was," Public Enemy uses anastrophe (which is the inversion of typical word order) to preserve the rhythm of the verse. Instead of saying "That sucker was straight up racist," Public Enemy chooses an odd phrasing that has one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables— " ra cist that su cker was/ Sim ple and plain ." This way, the beat falls more regularly across those two lines, which allows the rapper to make his point (that Elvis was racist) without the flow sounding awkward. Since anastrophe manipulates the order of words in order to achieve a rhythmic effect, it's a scheme.

Why Do Writers Use Figures of Speech?

Figures of speech is a category that encompasses a broad variety of literary terms, so it's difficult to give one answer to this question. Writers use different figures of speech to achieve different effects.

Schemes (figures of speech that manipulate sound, syntax, and word order) can make language more beautiful, persuasive, or memorable. Writers can use schemes to draw attention to an important passage, to create a sound that mirrors (or contrasts with) the meaning of words, or to give language a rhythm that draws the reader in. As schemes tend to work through sound and rhythm, they generally produce a visceral effect, or an effect felt in the body—broadly speaking, schemes are more sensory than intellectual.

In contrast, writers use tropes to grab the reader intellectually by adding complexity or ambiguity to an otherwise simple word or phrase. Tropes can ask the reader to make a comparison between two unlike things, they can impose human qualities on nonhumans, and they can mean the opposite of what they say. Tropes engage the intellect because the reader has to be alert to the fact that tropes do not use language at face value—a trope never means what it literally says.

All figures of speech help a writer to communicate ideas that are difficult to say in words or that are more effectively communicated non-verbally. This could be by repeating harsh consonants to create a scary atmosphere, or by using a metaphor to impose the qualities of something concrete (say, a rose) onto something more difficult to define (say, love). In general, figures of speech attempt to bring out a reader's emotion and to capture their attention by making language more colorful, surprising, and complex.

Other Helpful Figure of Speech Resources

• Silva Rhetoricae on Figures of Speech : An excellent reference from BYU that explains the various ways that figures of speech have been categorized over history, including into schemes and tropes.
• Silva Rhetoricae on schemes and tropes :
• The Oxford Reference Page for Figure of Speech : A helpful definition of figures of speech in the context of the ancient study of rhetoric (did you know that the Roman rhetorician Quintillian defined "figure of speech" in 95 AD?)
• What Are Tropes in Language? Skip to the "Distinction Between Figures and Tropes" section and read to the end—full of informative and thought-provoking discussion about tropes.
• A YouTube video about tropes and schemes with pop culture examples.

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