How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Apposition

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Apposition

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Apposition is the use of two elements, where the second explains or modifies the first.

Example

Eleri, oh light of my life, igniter of passion!

Look here at my brothers, my killers.

I looked up into the grim sky as the rain washed clean my weary face.

Discussion

Apposition may be used in developing a theme or idea, where the first part give initial information and next part (or parts) develops further meaning. In this way, a complex situation can be explained in 'bite-sized' chunks, each layer adding more subtly and depth.

This process makes apposition useful in stories and prose where the development of meaning is a core process.

Classification: Meaning