asyndeton

American  

[uh-sin-di-ton, -tuhn] / əˈsɪn dɪˌtɒn, -tən /

noun

1. Rhetoric. the omission of conjunctions, as in “He has provided people with jobs, with opportunity, with self-respect.”

2. Library Science. the omission of cross references, especially from a catalog.

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asyndeton British  

/ æˈsɪndɪtən /

noun

1. the omission of a conjunction between the parts of a sentence

2. an asyndetic construction Compare syndeton

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• asyndetic
  adjective
• asyndetically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of asyndeton

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin, from Greek, noun use of neuter of asýndetos “unlinked, loose” (equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + syndé(ein) “to tie together, bind” + -tos verbal adjective suffix)

Explanation

When a writer or speaker uses asyndeton, she eliminates conjunctions like "and" or "but." This rhetorical device works to make a speech more dramatic and effective by speeding up its rhythm and pace. Public speakers use asyndeton when they want to emphasize the gravity or drama of their topics. Abraham Lincoln used asyndeton when he talked about "a government of the people, by the people, for the people..." without including the conjunction "and." A list of items or characteristics that's not slowed down or divided by the usual conjunction feels more immediate and momentous, particularly in spoken rhetoric. In Greek, asyndeton simply means "unconnected."

Example Sentences

And this is what Homer has expressed by using the figure Asyndeton.

From On the Sublime by Havell, H. L. (Herbert Lord)

Of this sort is Asyndeton when the conjunctions uniting sentences are removed.

From Complete Works of Plutarch — Volume 3: Essays and Miscellanies by Plutarch