Hendiadys

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Hendiadys

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Hendiadys is the use of two words linked by a conjunction to express a single, more complex idea.

Example

The heat and sun of midday (vs. the hot midday sun.)

Sound and fury, signifying nothing (vs. furious sound, signifying nothing).

The man and the strength and the joy of it all. (vs. 'the joyful, strong man).

Come up and see me sometime (vs. Come up to see me).

Discussion

Hendiadys is a form of emphasis, created by using a word structure that is relatively unusual, thereby grabbing attention. In effect, the conjunction both divides and joins, making two separate things as one.

A typical hendiadys is to replace a noun-adjective pair with two nouns joined by a conjunction. In effect, one thing is divided into two by the conjunction and can be seen as a form of polysyndeton.

Hendiatris is the same as hendiadys but using three words to mean one thing. This allows you to also use the power of a triple.

Hendiadys comes from the Greek phrase meaning 'one through two'.

It is sometimes known as 'two for one' or 'figure of twinnes'.

Classification: Substitution, Attention