epistrophe
- noun
- /ˌɛpɪˈstrɔfi/
- Literature
:
epístrofe
- The speaker used epistrophe effectively, ending each argument with the phrase 'I will not give up.'
- repetition like epistrophe
Examples
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This word order allows the narrator to emphasize the usual motives for crime (object, passion) and to stress that they were completely absent through the repetition of the word "none" (epistrophe).
Academic text (1997) -
Its conclusion can be given a sense of roundness and inevitability with epistrophe—where the repetition comes at the end rather than the beginning of a sentence.
Blog text (25) -
Like other devices of repetition and parallelism, epistrophe figures frequently in Whitman:
Academic text (1997) -
Epistrophe: the use of the same terminal word or phrase in successive clauses or verses, generally for emphasis.
Academic text (1997) -
The following excerpt from Arthur Miller's The Crucible shows how devices of repetition like epistrophe can double as devices of emotion:
Academic text (1997) -
Four of the nouns used are essentially synonymous and, moreover, combine with a reiterated verb at the end of each clause (an epistrophe): PREFORMATTED TABLE
Academic text (1997) -
We also see how King's use of repetition (through anaphora, epistrophe, and epimone) encouraged audience responses—vocal participation.
Academic text (1997) -
In poetry, epistrophe emphasizes key themes by repeating the final words of each line.
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Many famous speeches use epistrophe to create a rhythmic impact, making the message memorable.
Synonyms
10
3.2
Using the same word or phrase to make a point stronger and create a rhythm
3
4.9
An action of saying or doing the same thing again to make it clear and show its importance
The repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of several sentences to make a point
Repeating a word or short phrase in a sentence to add emphasis
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Epistrophe comes from Greek parts epi- 'on' and strophe 'turn', so imagine 'turning back' to the same word at the end of each sentence or line. So, epistrophe means repeating a word or phrase at the ends of successive clauses to give the lines more power and rhythm.