Antigrammatical

/ˌæntiɡrəˈmætɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Violating or opposed to the rules and conventions of grammar; grammatically incorrect or defying standard linguistic structure.

Etymology

From anti- (against) + grammatical (relating to grammar). A rare but logical compound used in linguistics and literary criticism to describe language that deliberately breaks grammatical rules.

Kelly Says

Many poets like e.e. cummings and James Joyce created antigrammatical sentences on purpose—breaking grammar rules actually helped them express things that 'correct' grammar couldn't!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.