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Literature vocabulary · Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

Chiasmus

Meaning in literature, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In literature, chiasmus means: A reversed arrangement of corresponding words or ideas in paired phrases.

In Turkish: çaprazlama, kiyazm

How it is used

Use when paired elements form a crossed pattern; show the reversal rather than only naming symmetry.

Example sentences

  1. The line 'we shape stories, and stories shape us' uses chiasmus to suggest mutual influence.

    The subject and object exchange positions in the second clause.

  2. Our analysis traces the chiasmus from fear of love to love of fear.

    Reversing the paired ideas changes the emotional relationship.

Common collocations

  • use chiasmus
  • a pattern of chiasmus
  • antithesisA rhetorical device that places strongly contrasting ideas in a balanced structure to sharpen meaning and emphasis.
  • figure of speechA use of words in a non-literal or unusual way to create a special effect or meaning, such as a metaphor, simile, hyperbole or personification.

More terms: Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

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