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Glite Dictionary
🔄 Reversed phrases 🧬 Crossing points
chiasmi

chiasmi

9.9
A sentence where the order of words is reversed in two matching parts
  • noun
  • /kaɪˈæzmaɪ/
  • Literature
: quiasmas
  • Isabella concludes this formal and thematic series with a pair of chiasmi.

Examples

  • Isabella is characterized in another pair of chiasmi, one by the Duke and another by herself during their prison conference.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Likewise, during the central prison scene, a pairing of chiasmi opens a bifurcated response to the Duke.

    Academic text (2001)

  • In her analysis, the professor highlighted several powerful chiasmi that demonstrated the complexity of human relationships.

  • The speech included various chiasmi that captivated the audience with their clever wordplay.

  • Using chiasmi in his writing, the author effectively emphasized the contrast between love and hate.

Synonyms

chiasmus
vschiasmi
  • Literature
1 9.9

A sentence that repeats words or ideas in reverse order to make a point

is the plural form rather than the singular term
antimetathesis
vschiasmi
  • Literature
9.9

To reverse the order of matching words in two parts of a sentence to show contrast

is used for reversed parallel order in general without stressing contrast

Surface Forms

chiasmi plural
chiasmus singular

Etymology

Chiasmi comes from chiasmus, a Greek word that means 'crossing' and is linked to the letter X where two lines cross. A chiasmus crosses the order of words in matching phrases, so writers use chiasmi to mean those reversed, balanced structures.