PARONOMASTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Paronomastic is an adjective derived from the word "paronomasia," which refers to the use of words that are similar in sound but different in meaning to create a rhetorical or humorous effect. It is derived from the Greek words "para," meaning beside, and "onomazein," meaning to name or express by a name.
In its dictionary definition, paronomastic describes something that is characterized by, incorporating, or resembling paronomasia. It pertains to the use of wordplay or puns, particularly when employed for a rhetorical purpose, to create an effect or convey a specific meaning. Paronomastic language often plays with the sounds, syllables, or meanings of words to create clever or humorous effects within a sentence or phrase.
Paronomastic expressions can be found across various forms of language, including literature, poetry, advertising, comedy, and everyday conversational speech. They are used to add complexity, wit, or amusement to a particular text or conversation. Examples of paronomastic phrases include puns like "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana" or "I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough." In these examples, the words "flies" and "dough" are used with multiple meanings, creating a play on words.
Overall, the term paronomastic refers to the use of wordplay or puns to convey meaning or create a specific rhetorical effect, adding wit and humor to language.
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Consisting in a play upon words.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PARONOMASTIC
- oaronomastic
- laronomastic
- -aronomastic
- 0aronomastic
- pzronomastic
- psronomastic
- pwronomastic
- pqronomastic
- paeonomastic
- padonomastic
- pafonomastic
- patonomastic
- pa5onomastic
- pa4onomastic
- parinomastic
- parknomastic
- parlnomastic
- parpnomastic
- par0nomastic
- par9nomastic
Etymology of PARONOMASTIC
The word "paronomastic" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "paronomazein", which means "to make a slight change in a word" or "to play with words". This term is a combination of two root words: "para" meaning "alongside" or "similar" and "onomazein" meaning "to call by name" or "to name". Therefore, the word "paronomastic" refers to the act of using words that sound similar or have a slight change in order to create wordplay or puns.
