asyndeton Definition
the omission of conjunctions between clauses, often resulting in a hurried rhythm or vehement effect.
Using asyndeton: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "asyndeton" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I came, I saw, I conquered.
Example
He was a bag of bones, a floppy doll, a broken stick, a maniac.
Example
Without looking, without making a sound, without talking.
Phrases with asyndeton
the use of several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some could otherwise be omitted
Example
We have ships and men and money and stores.
the omission from speech or writing of a word or words that are superfluous or able to be understood from contextual clues
Example
So... what happened?
the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
Example
We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets.
Origins of asyndeton
from Greek 'asundeton', meaning 'unconnected'
Summary: asyndeton in Brief
'Asyndeton' [ey-sin-di-ton] is a rhetorical device that omits conjunctions between clauses, resulting in a hurried or vehement effect. Examples include 'I came, I saw, I conquered.' and 'Without looking, without making a sound, without talking.' 'Asyndeton' is related to other rhetorical devices like 'polysyndeton,' which uses multiple conjunctions, 'ellipsis,' which omits superfluous words, and 'anaphora,' which repeats words or phrases at the beginning of clauses.
