How Do You Spell SYNECDOCHE?

Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪnɪkdˌɒt͡ʃ] (IPA)

The word "synecdoche" is a difficult one to spell. It is often confused with its close cousin "metonymy". The correct spelling is "sɪˈnɛkdəki". The "s" is often miswritten as "c". The "y" can be mistaken for an "i" or "e" and the middle "e" is often omitted. The final "e" should be remembered to prevent confusion with homophones such as "syntax". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word features stress on the second syllable and is spelled phonetically as "si-NEK-duh-kee".

SYNECDOCHE Meaning and Definition

  1. Synecdoche is a figure of speech commonly used in literature and rhetoric. It is derived from the Greek words "syn" (together, with) and "ekdoche" (interpretation), and refers to a rhetorical device where a part of something is used to represent the whole or vice versa. In other words, it is a type of metaphorical expression where a smaller or larger entity is used to describe a whole concept or the opposite.

    This literary device serves to create vivid imagery and enhance the significance or impact of the text. Synecdoche allows writers to convey complex ideas or emotions in a concise and powerful manner by using a familiar or related object or part of it. It's worth noting that synecdoche is closely related to both metaphor and metonymy but differs in that it specifically deals with the substitution of a part for the whole or vice versa.

    For instance, expressions like "lend me your ears," where the word "ears" represents people's attention, or "all hands on deck," where "hands" symbolically refers to the entire crew, are examples of synecdoche. Similarly, referring to a car as "wheels" or using the word "sails" to denote a ship highlights the use of synecdoche.

    Overall, synecdoche is a powerful linguistic tool that allows writers to convey meaning, evoke emotions, and provide deeper layers of interpretation by using parts to represent or symbolize the whole.

  2. In rhet., a figure in which the whole is put for a part, or a part for the whole.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SYNECDOCHE

Etymology of SYNECDOCHE

The word "synecdoche" comes from the Late Latin and Greek roots. Its root words are "syn" (meaning "together") and "ekdosis" (meaning "a giving out" or "a sending forth"). In Greek, "synecdoche" was derived from "sunechō", which means "to have together" or "to possess". The term was then adopted into Late Latin as "synecdochē", and later into English as "synecdoche".

Similar spelling words for SYNECDOCHE

Plural form of SYNECDOCHE is SYNECDOCHES

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