Pleonasm | Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pleonasm is the use of more words than necessary to make a point. Pleonasms often occur accidentally and are considered a stylistic fault. However, sometimes they are used deliberately to reinforce an idea.

Pleonasm examples
Thanks to our joint cooperation, we managed to overcome each and every obstacle.

The applicants were few in number.

I do think about you.

My grandfather was very proud of the exact replica of a samurai sword he bought.

Their visit was an unexpected surprise.

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What Is a Kenning? | Examples & Definition

A kenning is a compound word or phrase that is used to represent a single word, such as “wave traveler” for “boat.” Kennings were commonly used in Old Norse and Old English poetry, but we also use them today. For example, when we call someone a “pencil pusher” or a “tree hugger.”

Kenning examples
  • Bane of wood: fire
  • Battle dew: blood
  • Sea-horse: ship
  • Wolf of wounds: warrior
  • Skull-splitter: axe
  • Guardian of the people: king
  • Path of the sea: river
  • Heaven’s joy: morning
  • Arrow’s storm: attack
  • Water’s chain: frost
  • Feeder of ravens: warrior
  • Hoard-keeper: a dragon or guardian of treasure
  • Frosty-breath: winter

Kennings enrich the poetic language and reflect the cultural values and natural surroundings of the societies that created them.

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What Is a Truism? | Definition & Examples

A truism is a self-evident statement that is too obvious and hardly worth mentioning.

While truisms can sometimes be seen as lacking originality or depth, they can also be valuable for conveying universal truths in a relatable way. Because of this, we encounter them in different contexts, including literature, public speaking, and casual conversations.

Truism example 
I found his speech tedious, full of truisms such as “Everything happens for a reason” and “Some things never change.”

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What Is a Spoonerism? | Definition & Examples

A spoonerism is the transposition of the initial sounds of two or more words, like “belly jeans” instead of “jelly beans.” Spoonerisms occur mostly due to slip of the tongue but can also be intentional as a form of humor.

Spoonerism examples
Correct phrase Spoonerism
take a shower shake a tower
bad salad sad ballad
pork chops chork pops
grilled cheese chilled grease

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Mondegreen | Meaning, Definition & Examples

A mondegreen is a word or phrase that results from mishearing another word or phrase, especially in a song lyric or poem. This can lead to amusing or bizarre misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Mondegreens occur mainly due to similar-sounding words.

Mondegreen examples
Song Correct phrase Misinterpretation
“Silent Night” (Christmas carol) Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peas.
“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind. The ants are my friends, they’re blowin’ in the wind.
“Chasing Pavements” by Adele Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing pavements? Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing penguins?
“Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones I’ll never be your beast of burden. I’ll never leave your pizza burning.

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What Is an Aphorism? | Definition, Examples & Meaning

An aphorism is a brief statement that expresses a general truth or principle about life. Aphorisms can be humorous and often require interpretation. Due to their clever and memorable nature, aphorisms are commonly found in literature, philosophy, and everyday conversations.

Aphorism examples
“Education is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle

“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” – Confucius

“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” – Albert Einstein

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What Is Invective? | Definition, Meaning & Examples

Invective is insulting, abusive, or highly critical language. It involves using disparaging words to attack a person, a topic, or an institution. While invective is common in everyday communication, it is also a literary device used in speeches, prose, and poetry.

Invective example in Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
“I cannot but conclude the bulk of your natives to be the most pernicious race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the surface of the earth.”

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What Is Synecdoche? | Definition & Examples

Synecdoche is a figure of speech that uses a part of something to refer to the whole (e.g., using the word “wheels” to refer to a car). Sometimes, synecdoche involves using the whole to refer to a part (e.g., referring to the Brazilian football team as “Brazil”).

Synecdoche is an effective literary device for creating memorable images and avoiding repetition. Because of this, it is commonly used in poetry, literature, and everyday speech.

Do you want to explore creative writing? Try QuillBot’s Paraphraser to find your voice.

Synecdoche example
My nephew is learning his ABCs. [the alphabet]

Would you like paper or plastic? [types of grocery bag]

Can I buy you a glass? [a drink]

They have boots on the ground for a serious mission. [soldiers]

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What Is Irony? | Definition, Examples & Types

Irony is a rhetorical device in which the apparent meaning of a situation or statement is not the same as the underlying meaning. Irony involves a contrast between appearance or expectation and reality.

Irony example
Suppose you and your friend are watching a political candidate give a long and incoherent speech. At the end of the speech, you turn to your friend and say “What a masterclass in public speaking!”

Irony is often used in literature, but you may also encounter it in everyday conversations, movies, or song lyrics. It’s best to avoid irony in academic writing or professional communication to prevent miscommunications.

Do you want to explore creative writing? QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you find your voice.

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What Is Metonymy? | Definition & Examples

Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a word is replaced with another word closely associated with the original concept, such as “love” with “heart.”

Metonymy is used to create vivid imagery, add layers of meaning to a text, and convey ideas in a concise way. It’s commonly used in literature, newspaper headlines, and everyday speech.

Metonymy examples
Swedish is my mother tongue.

The White House declined to comment.

Tom’s favorite dish is mac and cheese.

They had a Monet hanging on their wall, and they didn’t know.

The use of metonymy is common in literature and in everyday conversations, but it should be avoided in academic writing or professional communication.

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