onomatoclast tendency
- noun
- /ˌɒnəˈmætəˌklæst ˈtɛndənsi/
- Specialized
:
tendencia onomatoclast
- The author's onomatoclast tendency led her to avoid using sound-imitative expressions.
Examples
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Her onomatoclast tendency meant she preferred more abstract language in her poetry.
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His onomatoclast tendency prevents him from enjoying comic books.
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In linguistic discussions, a strong onomatoclast tendency is considered quite rare.
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Many people develop an onomatoclast tendency as they grow older.
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Her onomatoclast tendency meant she avoided words that mimic sounds in her writing.
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He has an onomatoclast tendency that makes him uncomfortable with onomatopoeic terms.
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Due to her onomatoclast tendency, she prefers straightforward language without sound-related words.
Antonyms
How Negative
147
4.7
11
8.3
- Specialized
- Texting
49
1.0
22
4.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
onomatoclast + tendency
The meaning 'a tendency to dislike sound-imitating words' is directly and transparently composed from 'onomatoclast' (one who opposes onomatopoeia) plus 'tendency' (an inclination). In practice the constituent 'onomatoclast' is rare and may be unknown to B1 learners, but given knowledge of both parts the phrase is fully compositional.
Etymology
Onomatoclast tendency comes from parts that mean 'sound' and 'breaker': onomato- points to sound-like words such as 'buzz' or 'bang' and -clast means one who breaks. So it creates the image of a person who avoids these sound words, meaning 'a dislike of sound-imitating words'.