How Do You Spell MERISM?

Pronunciation: [mˈɜːɹɪzəm] (IPA)

Merism is a term used in linguistics to describe a figure of speech where a single term is used to represent a whole group or idea. The word sounds like "MEH-riz-uhm," with the primary stress on the second syllable. It's spelled "merism," with an "e" in the second syllable, followed by the letters "is" and then "m." This word is derived from the Greek "merizein," meaning "to divide" or "partition," which is a fitting origin for a term that signifies dividing something into smaller parts.

MERISM Meaning and Definition

1. Merism is a literary technique widely used in various forms of literature, especially in poetry and religious texts. It is defined as the rhetorical device that refers to the subdivision of a whole by mentioning its various parts. In other words, merism is the practice of naming two contrasting or opposite parts to represent the entirety of an object or concept.

   This technique is often employed to emphasize the entirety or completeness of a particular entity by highlighting its various components. For example, phrases such as "heaven and earth," "sun and moon," or "night and day" are common merisms used to represent the full scope of the universe. By mentioning these contrasting parts, merism suggests that what lies between them is included within their comprehensive range.

   Merism also plays a significant role in religious texts, particularly in the description of God's sovereignty or creations. Biblical verses such as "from the least to the greatest" or "heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them" employ merism to express that God's dominion encompasses all aspects of existence without exception.

   In addition to its significance in religious and poetic contexts, merism can also be found in everyday language and conversation. It serves as a powerful tool to convey a sense of completeness, totality, or achievement by encompassing two contrasting parts.

Common Misspellings for MERISM

• merisem
• murism
• marizm
• merizm
• mersim
• kerism
• jerism
• mwrism
• msrism
• mdrism
• mrrism
• m4rism
• m3rism
• meeism
• mefism
• me5ism
• me4ism
• merusm
• merjsm
• merksm

Etymology of MERISM

The word merism originates from the Late Latin term merismus (meaning division) which, in turn, is derived from the Greek word merismos (meaning division or separation). The Greek word is derived from the verb merizein which means to divide or to distribute.

Similar spelling words for MERISM

• MARISIM,
• mercyme,
• MRSAM,
• Merosome,
• murasame,
• miss-mrsm,
• maursemo,
• MARSAM,
• Marsum,
• MARCIM,
• maresme,
• moorsom,
• MRISM,
• MRSM,
• mauresmo,
• moresome.