Definition

A way of using a word that connects it to two or more other words, but it only matches in grammar with one of them, or it has different meanings for each connection.

Example

In the sentence 'He lost his coat and his temper', the word 'lost' is an example of syllepsis.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term syllepsis?

Yeah, it's when one word relates to two others differently, right?

Exactly! It’s a really interesting figure of speech.

I love how language can be so playful like that!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Syllepsis is derived from the Greek word "syllepsis" (συλλεψις), which is formed from "syn-" (meaning together) and "lepsis" (meaning to take or seize). The term refers to a figure of speech where a word applies to multiple parts of a sentence, often in a way that creates a play on words or a double meaning.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking together' ('syn-' means together and 'lepsis' means to take) to remember that syllepsis involves a word that takes on multiple meanings in a sentence.

Visually Confused Words