Polysyndeton

Pronunciation: /ˌpɑl.iˈsɪn.dɪˌtɑn/

Definitions of polysyndeton

noun a rhetorical device that uses multiple conjunctions in close succession, typically where they are not necessary

Example Sentences

A1 I like apples and bananas and oranges.

A2 She ran and jumped and laughed in the park.

B1 The book was long and complex and difficult to understand.

B2 The movie was action-packed and thrilling and suspenseful.

C1 The speech was filled with polysyndeton, emphasizing each point with repetition.

C2 The author's use of polysyndeton created a rhythmic flow in the text, drawing the reader in.

Examples of polysyndeton in a Sentence

formal The author's use of polysyndeton in the passage created a sense of rhythm and emphasis.

informal The repeated use of 'and' in that sentence is called polysyndeton.

slang Yo, that polysyndeton stuff the teacher talked about is like using 'and' a bunch of times in a row.

figurative Her speech was like a river flowing with polysyndeton, each 'and' connecting the ideas seamlessly.

Grammatical Forms of polysyndeton

• past tense: polysyndetonized
• plural: polysyndetons
• comparative: more polysyndetonic
• superlative: most polysyndetonic
• present tense: polysyndetizes
• future tense: will polysyndetonize
• perfect tense: has polysyndetonized
• continuous tense: is polysyndetizing
• singular: polysyndeton
• positive degree: polysyndeton
• infinitive: to polysyndetonize
• gerund: polysyndetoning
• participle: polysyndetoned

Origin and Evolution of polysyndeton

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'polysyndeton' originates from the Greek language, derived from the combination of 'poly' meaning many and 'syndeton' meaning bound together.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in rhetoric to describe the repetition of conjunctions in close succession for emphasis, the term 'polysyndeton' has evolved to also encompass the literary technique of using multiple conjunctions in a sentence or phrase for stylistic effect.