Definition

Relating to a figure of speech where a word is used in two different senses in the same context.

Example

The phrase 'He lost his coat and his temper' is an example of a sylleptic expression.

Conversation

I came across a poem that uses a really interesting sylleptic structure.

Oh really? I love when poets play with language like that.

Yeah, it makes the meaning so much richer and layered.

Exactly! It can totally change how we interpret the lines.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sylleptic is derived from the Greek "syllepsis" (meaning a taking together) and the suffix "-ic" (meaning pertaining to). The term refers to a grammatical construction where a single word governs or modifies two or more others in different senses, thus taking them together in a specific context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking together' ('syllepsis') to remember that 'sylleptic' relates to a grammatical structure that combines different meanings.

Visually Confused Words