Antiptosis

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Antiptosis

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Antiptosis is linkage of two words by 'of'.

Example

Light of my life!

He is the symbol of perfection for them.

Is it a tower of strength or tower of Babel?

Discussion

Antiptosis uses prepositions 'of' more like a conjunction, joining things together, rather than showing membership. The connection can be used to join and hence extend or enhance meaning, in the manner of an analogy.

Antiptosis is very similar to hendiadys, where two words are typically linked by 'and'. For example the hendiadys 'The kingdom and the glory' becomes the antiptosis 'The kingdom of glory'.

Classification: Reference