PARONOMASIA Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

paronomasia

[par-uh-noh-mey-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Rhetoric.

the use of a word in different senses or the use of words similar in sound to achieve a specific effect, as humor or a dual meaning; punning.
a pun.

paronomasia

/ ˌpærənəʊˈmæstɪk, ˌpærənəʊˈmeɪzɪə /

noun

rhetoric a play on words, esp a pun

Discover More

Other 51�Թ� Forms

paronomastic adjective
paronomastically adverb
ˌ�貹��ǲԴ�ˈ��پ�� adverb

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of paronomasia¹

1570–80; < Latin < Greek �貹��ǲԴǳ��í�� a play on words, assonance, derivative of �貹��ǲԴǳ�á��𾱲� to make a slight name-change ( par- par- + �ǲԴǳ�á��𾱲� to name, derivative of ó�Դǳ�� name ); -ia

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of paronomasia¹

C16: via Latin from Greek: a play on words, from paronomazein to make a change in naming, from _para- ¹ (beside) + onomazein to name, from onoma a name

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Roman orators Cicero and Quintilian believed that "paronomasia", the Greek term for punning, was a sign of intellectual suppleness and rhetorical skill.

From

The investment mania was interrupted by the financial crisis; the paronomasia seems unstoppable.

From

The only grounds for this theory are the easiness of the Greek style and the paronomasia in iv.

From

"It is a perversion of the text," said the eager Henry Warden, "grounded on a vain play upon words—a most idle paronomasia."

From

Related 51�Թ�s

double entendre��
joke��
quip��

parolee paronychia

Browse