Definition

A formal statement or poem in which someone takes back or retracts something they previously said or wrote.

Example

In his latest palinode, the poet expressed regret for his earlier views on love.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a palinode?

Yeah, it's when someone takes back something they said before, right?

Exactly! It's like admitting you were wrong in a creative way.

That's pretty cool. I wonder how many poets have used a palinode in their work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Palinode → It is formed from "palin" (from Greek "palin", meaning again) and "ode" (from Greek "ōdē", meaning song). The word "palinode" refers to a poem or song in which the author retracts a statement made in a previous work, essentially singing again to correct oneself.

Memory Tip

Think of 'singing again' ('palin' means again and 'ode' means song) to remember that a palinode is a retraction or correction in poetic form.

Visually Confused Words