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Literature vocabulary · Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

Zeugma

Meaning in literature, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In literature, zeugma means: One word governing two others in different senses, often for a witty effect.

In Turkish: zeugma, ortak sözcüklü anlam oyunu

How it is used

Use for a shared word doing two different semantic jobs; identify both meanings.

Example sentences

  1. The sentence 'she lost her keys and her patience' uses zeugma for a comic effect.

    Losing an object and losing patience use the same verb differently.

  2. The zeugma in 'he broke a cup and a promise' lets one verb connect damage with betrayal.

    Broke describes physical damage to the cup but a failure to keep the promise.

Common collocations

  • comic zeugma
  • an example of zeugma
  • 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.
  • dictionA writer's or speaker's choice of words, especially as it shapes tone, style, formality, and meaning.

More terms: Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

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