Antanaclas

/ænˈtænəˌklæs/ noun

Definition

A rhetorical device where a word or phrase is repeated with a different or opposite meaning.

Etymology

From Greek 'antanaclas' meaning 'to break back against,' from 'anti-' (against) + 'ana-' (back) + 'clastos' (broken). A classical rhetoric term.

Kelly Says

Antanaclas is the fancy name for puns with a twist—like when Shakespeare writes 'he gave me orders' versus 'he gave me flowers'—it's how writers use the same words to create double meaning!

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