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

• 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

According to the manuscripts the preceding line ends with VTAR; I have printed Heinsius' VSVS, since there would otherwise be an asyndeton between utar and aspiciam.

From The Last Poems of Ovid by Akrigg, Mark Bear

Such as the play of words in amentium and amantium, verba and verbera; one or two cases of alliteration and asyndeton, e.g.—

From The Roman Poets of the Republic by Sellar, W. Y.

The asyndeton in this distich is odd, given the preceding series of connectives.

From The Last Poems of Ovid by Akrigg, Mark Bear

Therefore the figure asyndeton, whereby conjunctions are omitted, is highly commended by writers of rhetoric.

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

Professor J. N. Grant points out to me the asyndeton following quaere ... sintne.

From The Last Poems of Ovid by Akrigg, Mark Bear