antanaclasis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “antanaclasis” mean?
A rhetorical device where a word is repeated in a sentence with a different meaning each time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rhetorical device where a word is repeated in a sentence with a different meaning each time.
A figure of speech involving punning repetition, often used for humorous, emphatic, or persuasive effect in rhetoric and literature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language in both the UK and US. Used almost exclusively in academic or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “antanaclasis” in a Sentence
The [speaker/author] uses antanaclasis to [achieve effect].The sentence '[example]' contains antanaclasis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antanaclasis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The poet cleverly antanaclasises the word 'light' to mean both illumination and not heavy.
- He antanaclasised 'will' to refer to both future tense and testament.
American English
- The comedian antanaclasized 'fine' to mean both okay and a monetary penalty.
- She antanaclasizes 'bear' in her speech to mean both carry and the animal.
adverb
British English
- The word was used antanaclastically, first as a noun, then as a verb.
- He repeated the term antanaclastically to great effect.
American English
- She constructed the sentence antanaclastically.
- The line works because it's built antanaclastically.
adjective
British English
- The antanaclastic phrase was the highlight of the debate.
- His antanaclastic wit is renowned.
American English
- She delivered an antanaclastic punchline.
- The ad campaign's antanaclastic slogan was memorable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in linguistics, rhetoric, literary criticism, and communication studies to analyse texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by someone explaining a specific literary device.
Technical
The primary domain of use. A precise term in rhetoric and stylistics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antanaclasis”
- Using it to describe any repetition. Confusing it with 'antanagoge' (a different rhetorical figure). Misspelling as 'antanaclasys' or 'antanaclasus'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Antanaclasis is a specific type of pun. All antanaclasis involves wordplay, but not all puns are antanaclasis. Antanaclasis requires the exact same word to be repeated with a different meaning.
Yes. A manager might say, 'If we don't stand united as a team, the company will not stand.' Here, 'stand' first means 'be in a state of unity' and then means 'remain in business'.
It is primarily used in the fields of rhetoric, linguistics, literary criticism, and communication studies for the analysis of persuasive or literary language.
It is primarily a noun. However, derived forms like 'antanaclastic' (adjective) and the rare 'antanaclasise/antanaclasize' (verb) can be found in specialised analytical writing.
Antanaclasis is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Antanaclasis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæntəˈnækləsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæntənəˈklæsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTANACLASIS = A Nice Trick: A Noun's Alternate Context Lets A Single Instance Shift.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A PLAYGROUND (for words).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best demonstrates antanaclasis?