anadiplosis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Academic (Rhetoric/Linguistics)
Quick answer
What does “anadiplosis” mean?
A rhetorical device in which the last word or phrase of one clause, sentence, or line is repeated at the beginning of the next.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rhetorical device in which the last word or phrase of one clause, sentence, or line is repeated at the beginning of the next.
More broadly, any instance of repeating the end of a unit at the beginning of the next, creating a chain-like effect for emphasis, amplification, or logical connection. It is a specific form of repetition used in poetry, oratory, and persuasive writing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. The term is equally specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Scholarly, precise, associated with the analysis of text and speech.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Slightly higher frequency in university-level English, Classics, or Communication departments.
Grammar
How to Use “anadiplosis” in a Sentence
The poet uses anadiplosis in line 5.Anadiplosis is found in the speech.The effect was achieved through anadiplosis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anadiplosis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The orator anadiplosed the word 'fear' to great dramatic effect.
American English
- The poet anadiplosed the phrase to create a cascading rhythm.
adverb
British English
- The words were repeated anadiplotically, building a sense of inevitability.
American English
- He constructed the argument anadiplotically, each point springing from the last.
adjective
British English
- The anadiplotic structure of the verse was expertly handled.
American English
- She pointed out the anadiplotic repetition in the treaty's preamble.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in papers and lectures on rhetoric, literary analysis, linguistics, and persuasive communication.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be marked as highly educated or pretentious.
Technical
The standard term in the technical field of rhetoric.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anadiplosis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anadiplosis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anadiplosis”
- Confusing it with 'chiasmus' (reversal of structure) or 'anaphora' (repetition at the beginning of successive clauses).
- Pronouncing it /ænəˈdɪpləsɪs/ (wrong stress).
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'an anadiplotic device' is possible but very rare; 'anadiplosis' is almost exclusively a noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized term from rhetoric and literary analysis. You will almost never hear it in casual conversation.
Anadiplosis repeats the end of a unit at the beginning of the next unit. Epanalepsis repeats the beginning of a clause at the end of the same clause (e.g., 'The king is dead, long live the king!').
Yes, from Shakespeare's 'Richard II': 'With eager feeding food doth choke the feeder.' Also, the Star Wars quote: 'Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.'
To create a sense of logical progression, inevitability, or amplification. It links ideas tightly, builds rhythm, and emphasizes the repeated concept, making the argument or emotion more powerful.
A rhetorical device in which the last word or phrase of one clause, sentence, or line is repeated at the beginning of the next.
Anadiplosis is usually formal, literary, academic (rhetoric/linguistics) in register.
Anadiplosis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌænədɪˈpləʊsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænədɪˈploʊsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms use this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Ana-DIP-losis: Think of a DIPper scooping up the last word and pouring it at the start of the next line.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A CHAIN (the repeated word forms the link). THOUGHT IS PROGRESS (the repetition drives the idea forward).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes anadiplosis?