merism etymology

Etymology and Origin

• Merism is a figure of speech that uses two contrasting or contradictory terms to emphasize a single idea or concept.
• It is derived from the Greek word meris (part, share, portion).

Meaning

Merism is a rhetorical device that uses two opposite or contrasting words to create a heightened effect:

• Exaggeration: It exaggerates or emphasizes a point by using extremes.
• Emphasis: It draws attention to a specific idea or aspect by contrasting it with its opposite.
• Totality: It conveys the completeness or entirety of something by mentioning its parts.

Structure

Merisms typically follow a "both...and" or "neither...nor" structure:

• Both...and: Emphasizes the completeness or totality of something by mentioning both its positive and negative aspects. (e.g., "He was both a sinner and a saint.")
• Neither...nor: Negates both sides of an equation, emphasizing the absence or insignificance of something. (e.g., "She was neither rich nor famous.")

Examples

• "From head to toe, she was covered in bruises." (Exaggeration)
• "It was neither black nor white, but a murky gray." (Emphasis)
• "He was both loved and hated by his countrymen." (Totality)
• "No sooner had he arrived than he left again." (Contrast)
• "You can't have your cake and eat it too." (Negation)

merism relate terms

• demerit

  Etymology Latin demeritum unworthy deed disgrace From de away meritum m

• emeritus

  Etymology The word emeritus comes from Latin where it means who has served It is de

• isomer

  Etymology Iso Greek Equal same mer Greek Part portion Meaning and Origin Th

• isomeric

  Etymology Isomer comes from the Greek words isos equal and meros part Meros

• meretricious

  Etymology From Latin meretricius meaning of or like a prostitute Ultimately derived

• merism

  Etymology and Origin Merism is a figure of speech that uses two contrasting or contradic

• meristem

  Etymology The word meristem comes from the Greek word meristos which means divisib

• merit

  Etymology Middle English merite from Old French merite from Latin meritum neuter pa

• meritorious

  Etymology Origin Latin Meaning Deserving of praise or reward Word Parts merere

• mero

  Etymology Mero Spanish Mero Portuguese Meaning A type of large marine fish ty

• monomer

  Etymology Mono Greek one or single Mero Greek part Meaning A monomer is a

• Moira

• polymer

  Etymology The word polymer is derived from the Greek words poly meaning many and

• turmeric

  Etymology The word turmeric is derived from the Middle English word turmeryte which

• high

  Etymology The word high derives from the Middle English word hie which traces its ro

• young

  Etymology The word young comes from the Old English word geong which meant young

• curmudgeon

  Etymology French curmudgeon 15th century Middle French cormillon 13th century

• pagan

  Etymology The term pagan derives from the Latin word paganus meaning country dweller

• hearse

  Etymology The word hearse originates from the Middle English word herse which itsel

• ineffable

  Etymology The word ineffable comes from the Latin word ineffabilis which means uns

• naughty

  Etymology The word naughty is derived from the Middle English word naughte meaning