Definition

A way of expressing an idea using two words joined by a conjunction to create a single meaning, instead of using an adjective and a noun together.

Example

The phrase 'sound and fury' is an example of hendiadys, where two words are used to convey a single idea.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term hendiadys?

No, I haven't! What does it mean?

It's a way of saying something using two connected words to express a single idea, like 'nice and warm'.

That sounds interesting! I’ll have to look into hendiadys more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hendiadys is derived from the Greek 'hen' (meaning one) and 'dia' (meaning through) combined with 'dys' (meaning two). The term refers to a figure of speech in which two words connected by a conjunction express a single idea, effectively creating a unity from two parts.

Memory Tip

Think of 'one' ('hen') and 'through' ('dia') to remember that hendiadys is about expressing a single idea through two connected words.

Visually Confused Words