Definition of Turning Point Generally, a turning point means a decisive moment when people make a final decision in their life. It is about a decisive situation after which a sea change occurs, causing harm or benefits to the decision-makers.…
Category: Literary Devices
Thriller
Definition of Thriller A thriller is a genre that heightens feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation, and anxiety of the reader or viewer. Generally, it is a story, novel, or movie that has an exciting plot, interesting characters, and a…
Etymology
Definition of Etymology Etymology means to find the roots of a word. It is mostly used as a noun, etymology, with its adjective, etymological. As such as it is not a regular literary device; rather, it is a linguistic term…
Premise
Definition of Premise The word premise means a proposition set in advance. It is derived from the Latin word praemissa. It is a derivate of two words prae that means before or prior to and mittere that means to send.…
Horror
Definition of Horror Horror is one of the fiction genres that includes paranormal beyond scientific knowledge. Although horror means strong feelings of fear, fright, shock, or terror, it falls into the literary realm as a type of narrative. It evokes…
Kairos
Definition of Kairos Derived from a Grecian root, kairos means the right time for doing something or presenting something. It refers to “opportune presentation” in rhetoric. It is mostly used in rhetoric but is also common in Christian theological presentations.…
Conundrum
Meaning of Conundrum The term, conundrum, seems to have originated back in 1590. It was used for a person in the meanings of a pedant with further evolution in meanings the 16th century and later. Its Latin equivalent conandrum means…
Science Fiction
Definition of Science Fiction Science fiction is one of the fiction genres that demonstrates different scientific facts, discoveries, innovations, inventions, or other strange and scientific evolutions. The stories or novels falling under this category often show technological advances, environmental issues,…
Synonym
Definition of Synonym Synonym is a word or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. The term “synonym” comes from the Latin word “synonymum,” which, in turn, originated from the Greek word “synonymon.” The…
Subtext
Definition of Subtext Subtext, a concept rooted in Latin’s “to work below or weave under,” defines the subtle, underlying themes within communication. As a noun, it takes form as dehyphenated subtexts or hyphenated sub-texts. Essentially, subtext operates beneath the surface,…
Plot Twist
Definition of Plot Twist A plot twist, an unexpected shift in a story, combines “plot” and “twist” in a clever way. It’s not just a compound word. In literature, it’s a technique that suddenly changes the story’s direction. The occurrence…
Peripeteia
Definition of Peripeteia Peripeteia, a Greek term traced back to Sophocles, signifies a pivotal turning point in literary narratives. Its roots lie in a linguistic evolution, with ‘Peripeteia’ emerging as a formal noun. Semantically, this concept captures the abrupt and…
Encomium
Definition of Encomium Encomium means highly praising someone or something. It is a noun used formally, and its plural is encomia. People use it to admire something or somebody. The origin of encomium lies in the Greek term “enkomion,” which…
Foreword
Definition of Foreword A foreword is an intro for a book, written by an associate or author. The word ‘foreword’ appeared in English in 1842, but its origin remains unclear. It’s a part of a book’s beginning, shedding light on…
Motto
Definition of Motto Motto is a word, phrase, or sentence that expresses beliefs. It comes from the Latin word “muttire,” meaning to murmur. In English, we’ve used “motto” since 1796, and it’s like a short, wise saying. It’s similar to…
Montage
Definition of Montage Montage is a technique used in films showing images in sequence to tell a partial or complete story. The French term “monter” is the root of the word “montage,” which is used to describe a specific technique.…
Homage
Definition of Homage Homage means showing deep respect and honor to someone. The roots of this word trace back to Latin and French. Originally, it sprang from “homo” in Latin, changing over time to “hominaticum” and then becoming “homage” in…
Harangue
Definition of Harangue Harangue is a lengthy and angry speech filled with criticism. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Germanic roots and later evolved through French and Latin, eventually finding its way into late medieval English with the…
Sardonic
Definition of Sardonic Sardonic, in simple terms, is when someone shows disdain or skepticism in a humorous way. This word has roots in the French term “sardonique,” which can be traced back to Latin and Greek origins. The underlying idea…
Equivocation
Definition of Equivocation Equivocation is a shrewd linguistic art, like a hidden truth in deliberate obscurity, leaving minds bewildered and seeking clarity. Its origins are traced to the roots in ‘aequivocus’, an ancient Latin term ‘aequivocat’, signifying things “named in…