In linguistics and literature, adnomination is a rhetorical device that involves the juxtaposed repetition of words with similar roots or speech sounds within a phrase or sentence.[1][2][3] This technique serves to emphasize a particular concept or create a memorable rhythm captivating the audience's attention. It has been employed throughout history, from ancient orators to modern writers, demonstrating its enduring effectiveness in communication.
Adnomination is not confined to specific cultural or literary periods; its universality is evident in the varied use across different linguistic traditions. This phenomenon transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.
In contemporary language, adnomination persists as a versatile tool in advertising, political speeches, and everyday communication. Its ability to reinforce key concepts resonates in various forms of discourse.
Definition
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The dictionary definition of adnomination at Wiktionary refers to the repetition of words with a common root or origin within close proximity in a sentence or phrase. This repetition serves to enhance the impact of the expression, drawing attention to the shared linguistic element.
Adnomination often manifests through the repetition of juxtaposed prefixes, suffixes, or roots. For instance, Shakespeare's famous line "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" from Macbeth exemplifies adnomination, as the words "fair" and "foul" share a common root.[4]
Examples
edit- The river flowed, flowing with stories of ancient civilizations.
- In the garden, we planted and nurtured the plants to ensure their growth.
News is what somebody, somewhere wants to suppress; all the rest is advertising.
— Journalistic saying[5]
Historical significance
editWhile adnomination has ancient origins in classical rhetoric, its prevalence extends across various literary periods. Notable orators such as Aristotle,[6] Cicero,[7] Demosthenes and Quintilian[8] utilized this device to enhance the impact of their oratory.
Literary analysis
editAdnomination contributes to the rhythmic and æsthetic qualities of language, captivating the audience's attention. It is frequently employed in oratory, poetry, and prose to underscore themes, convey emotions, or establish a sense of harmony. Renowned writers, including William Shakespeare[9] and John Milton,[10] employed adnomination to craft memorable and impactful passages.
References
edit- ^ Frank Kermode (April 1975). The Oxford Anthology of English Literature: From Beowulf to Johnson. Oxford University Press. p. 213. ISBN 978-0-19-501900-1. Retrieved 27 May 2013.
- ^ Crystal, David (1991). A Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics. B. Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-631-17871-2.
- ^ Corbett, Edward P. J. (1971). Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-501382-5.
- ^ Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. First Folio, 1623
- ^ Often attributed to various media moguls of the 19th and 20th century. The closest quote found is "It is part of the business of a newspaper to get news and to print it; it is part of the business of a politician to prevent certain news being printed. For this reason the politician often takes a newspaper into his confidence for the mere purpose of preventing the publication of the news he deems objectionable to his interests." in Arthur Lawrence (1903). Journalism as a profession. Hodder & Stoughton. p. 185. Retrieved 28 May 2013. by Alfred C. Harmsworth writing as a guest author for a chapter.
- ^ Rhetoric (Aristotle). Translated by W. Rhys Roberts, 1926.
- ^ Cicero. De Oratore. Translated by E. W. Sutton and H. Rackham, 1942.
- ^ Quintilian, Marcus Fabius. Institutio Oratoria. Book IX, Chapter III. (c. 95 AD)
- ^ Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Jenkins, 1982.
- ^ Milton, John. Paradise Lost. Edited by Gordon Teskey, 2005