Sylleptic is a rare word in the English language, which means relating to or characterized by the use of syllepsis, a figure of speech where a word is used in a different way than expected. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents sounds and pronunciation. The word is pronounced /sɪˈlɛptɪk/, where "s" is pronounced as "s", "y" as "ɪ", "l" as "l", "e" as "ɛ", "p" as "p", "t" as "t", and "ɪk" as "ɪk".
Sylleptic is an adjective used to describe the act of combining or joining multiple thoughts, ideas, or arguments into a concise and connected form. It refers to the process of synthesizing divergent or disparate elements and uniting them harmoniously within the context of discourse or writing.
In particular, the term sylleptic is often associated with rhetoric and literary devices, as it involves the skillful employment of a syllepsis. A syllepsis, in this sense, is a figure of speech that employs a single verb or word to govern or modify multiple objects or clauses, resulting in a grammatically or semantically incongruous but impactful effect. This figure allows for the linkage of seemingly unrelated concepts or elements within a sentence, paragraph, or overall narrative structure.
The use of sylleptic techniques can enhance the artistry and impact of a piece of writing or speech, as it creates unexpected connections, reveals underlying associations, and introduces a sense of cohesion between seemingly disparate elements. It enables the writer or speaker to convey complex thoughts or ideas concisely and powerfully.
Overall, sylleptic refers to the act of skillfully combining divergent elements within the realm of rhetoric and literature, resulting in the creation of more impactful and connected discourse. It encompasses the use of syllepsis as a rhetorical figure, allowing for unexpected linkages and cohesive structures in writing or speech.
Of or pert. to.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sylleptic" comes from the Greek word "sylleptikos", which is derived from the verb "sylambanein". "Sylambanein" consists of two parts: "syn", meaning "together" or "with", and "lambanein", meaning "to take" or "to seize". When combined, these elements form "sylambanein", which means "to take together" or "to seize together".
Over time, the term evolved into "sylleptikos" in Greek, then into the Latin "syllepticus", before becoming "sylleptic" in English.