diacope: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “diacope” mean?
A rhetorical term for a figure of speech where a word or phrase is separated by intervening words.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rhetorical term for a figure of speech where a word or phrase is separated by intervening words.
In rhetoric and literary analysis, a diacope is a specific form of repetition that creates emphasis or emotional intensity, most commonly the repetition of a word or phrase with one or two words between them (e.g., 'To be, or not to be'). It can also refer more broadly to any tmesis or cutting of a word or phrase by an interposed word.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage between UK and US academic contexts. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical and academic; carries no regional connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to advanced literary, linguistic, or rhetoric discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “diacope” in a Sentence
The poet uses diacope for emphasis.A diacope is evident in the line: '...'.The critic identified a diacope in the passage.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diacope” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The playwright skilfully diacopes the key phrase to heighten the tension.
- One can diacope a term for stylistic effect.
American English
- The speechwriter diacoped 'freedom' throughout the address for impact.
- Authors sometimes diacope a word to create a memorable rhythm.
adverb
British English
- The word was used diacopically.
- He repeated the phrase almost diacopically.
American English
- She placed the modifier diacopically within the famous quotation.
- The line is constructed diacopically.
adjective
British English
- The diacopic structure of the verse is striking.
- He noted the line's diacopic quality.
American English
- The diacopic repetition became the speech's most quoted line.
- A diacopic pattern is used in the chorus.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in advanced literature, linguistics, rhetoric, and composition studies.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used precisely in the analysis of texts, speeches, and poetic devices.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diacope”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diacope”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diacope”
- Pronouncing it as /'daɪəkoʊp/ (like 'diacope' as in 'telescope').
- Confusing it with 'epizeuxis' (immediate repetition without interruption) or 'epanalepsis' (repetition at beginning and end).
- Using it to describe any repetition.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, diacope is a specific *type* of repetition where the repeated words are separated by one or a few intervening words. General repetition is a broader category.
Epizeuxis is the immediate, back-to-back repetition of a word ('Never, never!'), while diacope inserts words between the repetitions ('A day, a wonderful day').
While the *effect* occurs naturally in emphatic speech (e.g., 'I'm really, really very tired'), the term 'diacope' itself is exclusively used in academic or analytical contexts.
Primarily a noun. It can be used as a verb ('to diacope a phrase') in technical writing, but this is rare. The adjectival form 'diacopic' is also used in analysis.
A rhetorical term for a figure of speech where a word or phrase is separated by intervening words.
Diacope is usually academic, technical, literary in register.
Diacope: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈækəpi/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈækəpi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIA-COPE' as in 'DIAlogue' being 'cut' or 'COPE'd' (separated) by another word.
Conceptual Metaphor
A word or phrase being 'split open' or 'interrupted' for dramatic effect.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best example of a diacope?