a subsidiary work or a work of secondary importance, an ornamental addition to a main work

Formal and Informal Expressions of parergon

In different contexts, you can replace 'parergon' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'accessory, supplement' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'add-on, extra' is a commonplace synonym.

parergon: Explore its Definition & Usage

parergon Definition

1a subsidiary work or a work of secondary importance
2an ornamental addition to a main work

Using parergon: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "parergon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The preface is a parergon to the main text.
Example
The illustrations in the book are parerga to the narrative.
Example
The footnotes are parerga to the argument of the essay.

parergon Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for parergon

Phrases with parergon

parergonality
the quality of being a parergon
Example
The author's parergonality is evident in the numerous footnotes and appendices.
parergonal space
the space between the main work and its parerga
Example
The parergonal space of the painting is filled with decorative elements.
parergonal effect
the impact of the parerga on the interpretation of the main work
Example
The parergonal effect of the illustrations is to enhance the reader's understanding of the story.

Origins of parergon

from Greek 'parergon', meaning 'a side work' or 'a by-work'

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Summary: parergon in Brief

'Parergon' [puh-rur-gon] refers to a subsidiary or secondary work, often ornamental in nature, that accompanies a main work. Examples include prefaces, illustrations, and footnotes. The term extends into phrases like 'parergonal space,' referring to the space between the main work and its parerga, and 'parergonal effect,' denoting the impact of the parerga on the interpretation of the main work.