tmesis etymology

Etymology:

  • Greek: "temnein" (to cut) + "mesis" (act of cutting)

Meaning:

"Cutting apart" or "separation"

Origin:

The term "tmesis" originated in ancient Greek grammar. It was a rhetorical device that involved the intentional separation of a compound word into its individual constituents, typically for emphasis or poetic effect.

Usage:

In literature and poetry, tmesis is used to:

  • Create emphasis or surprise
  • Alter the rhythm or flow of language
  • Enhance the imagery or vividness of a description
  • Emphasize the meaning of the individual parts of a word

Examples:

  • "Back and forth he paced to and fro." (Homer, Odyssey)
  • "Never before had I seen anything so devastating." (contemporary prose)
  • "The deep, rich red of the roses filled the room." (descriptive writing)

tmesis relate terms

  • anatomy

    Etymology Ana Greek prefix meaning upwards apart or through Tome Greek root

  • atom

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  • contemplate

    Etymology Origin Latin contemplari meaning to gaze at consider meditate upon Root

  • contemplation

    Etymology From Middle English contemplacioun from Old French contemplacion from Latin

  • diatom

    Etymology Diatom is derived from the Greek words dia through and tomos cut refe

  • dichotomy

  • entomolite

    Etymology Entom Greek insect lite Latin stone Meaning An entomolite is a fossi

  • entomology

    Etymology The word entomology is derived from the Greek words ἔντομον énto

  • entomophagous

    Etymology The word entomophagous is derived from the Greek words entomo meaning

  • epitome

    Etymology of Epitome The word epitome originates from the Greek word epitome meaning

  • phlebotomy

    Etymology The word phlebotomy comes from the Greek words phleps meaning vein temne

  • temple

    Etymology The English word temple is derived from the Latin word templum which in t

  • tmesis

    Etymology Greek temnein to cut mesis act of cutting Meaning Cutting apa

  • tome

    Origin Late Middle English from Anglo Norman French tome from Old French tome from L

  • tonsorial

    Etymology The word tonsorial derives from the Latin word tonsus meaning shorn or

  • tonsure

    Etymology Origin Latin tonsura from the verb tondere meaning to shear Meaning

  • hyperbaton

    Etymology Hyperbaton is derived from the Greek word ὑπερβατόν hyperbaton whi

  • whole

    Whole Etymology Old English hāl adjective hāl noun Proto Germanic hailaz adjec

  • affidavit

    Etymology Latin affidavit meaning he she has sworn third person singular perfect

  • cast

    Etymology The word cast has several distinct etymologies As a verb From Middle En

  • window

    Etymology Old English windōge from Proto Germanic windaugaz derived from wi

  • treasure

  • perspicacious

    Etymology of Perspicacious Perspicacious originates from the Latin word perspicax

  • dance

    Etymology The word dance traces its origins back to Old French dancier Latin da

  • condition

    Etymology Middle English condicioun from Old French condicion from Latin conditio

  • penny

    Etymology The word penny originates from the Old English word penig which is deriv