Knowledge

/

ArcaMax

Today's Word "tmesis"

Separation of the parts of a compound word on

Published in Vocabulary

tmesis \TMEE-sis\ (noun) - In grammar and rhetoric, the separation of the parts of a compound word, now generally done for humorous effect; for example, "what place soever" instead of "whatsoever place," or "abso-bloody-lutely."

"As an example of a tmesis, Franklin was wont to quote Shakespeare from Richard II, :If on the first, how heinous e'er it be, To win thy after-love I pardon thee."

 

Tmesis is from Greek tmesis, "a cutting," from temnein, "to cut."


Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus
 

 

Comics

Drew Sheneman Dana Summers Arctic Circle BC Blondie 1 and Done