anaphora

noun

anaph·o·ra | \ ə-ˈna-f(ə-)rə

Definition of anaphora

1 : repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect Lincoln's "we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground" is an example of anaphora — compare epistrophe

2 : use of a grammatical substitute (such as a pronoun or a pro-verb) to refer to the denotation of a preceding word or group of words also : the relation between a grammatical substitute and its antecedent

What is the difference between anaphora and epistrophe?

An anaphora is a rhetorical device in which a word or expression is repeated at the beginning of a number of sentences, clauses, or phrases. A well-known example of this may be found in the speech given by Winston Churchill to the House of Commons on June 4th, 1940: "We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air…" The anaphora may be contrasted with the epistrophe, which is similar in nature, but describes the repetition of a word which occurs at the end of a phrase, sentence, or clause, rather than the beginning. A famous example of epistrophe is found in Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: "…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

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anaphora

Definition of anaphora

What is the difference between anaphora and epistrophe?

First Known Use of anaphora

History and Etymology for anaphora

anaphora

Definition of anaphora

What is the difference between anaphora and epistrophe?

First Known Use of anaphora

History and Etymology for anaphora

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