syllepsis

[si-lep-sis]

syllepsis Definition

• 1. a figure of speech in which a word is applied to two others in different senses
• 2. a construction in which one word is used in two different senses

Using syllepsis: Examples

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

• Example

  He lost his coat and his temper.

• Example

  She opened the door and her heart to the orphan.

• Example

  I caught the train and a bad cold.

syllepsis Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for syllepsis

• zeugma
• elliptical construction

Phrases with syllepsis

• grammatical syllepsis

  a syllepsis in which the word that is used in two different senses is grammatically correct in only one of them

  Example

  The doctor examined her patient thoroughly, then her conscience.

• semantic syllepsis

  a syllepsis in which the word that is used in two different senses is semantically correct in only one of them

  Example

  He fished for compliments and trout.

• prozeugma

  a syllepsis in which the word that is used in two different senses comes at the beginning of the sentence

  Example

  To the dentist's, then to the opera I went.

Origins of syllepsis

from Greek 'sullēpsis', meaning 'a taking together'

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Summary: syllepsis in Brief

Syllepsis [si-lep-sis] is a figure of speech or construction in which a word is used in two different senses. Examples include 'He lost his coat and his temper,' and 'She opened the door and her heart to the orphan.' Syllepsis can be classified into grammatical and semantic types, as well as prozeugma, where the word comes at the beginning of the sentence.